Midlands TD Calls For Government To Examine Targeted Financial Support For Independent Radio Stations

John Clendennen is making the call following a 39% increase in the regulatory broadcasting levy in 2026, 69% in total over the last two years.

Midlands Fine Gael TD is calling on the Government to examine a targeted financial support measure for independent radio stations following a 39% increase in the regulatory broadcasting levy in 2026, 69% in total over the last two years.

 Raising the matter with Minister Peter Burke, who was taking Questions on Policy or Legislation in Dáil Éireann today,  Deputy John Clendennen highlighted the significant financial pressures facing independent broadcasters and the importance of their viability going forward.

 His contribution followed a meeting earlier this week with Michael Kelly of Independent Broadcasters Ireland (IBI) and Will Faulkner, CEO of Midlands 103, during which the impact of the levy increase on the commercial radio sector was outlined.

 According to the IBI, the increase has imposed an additional €1.04 million in regulatory costs on the radio sector this year, with broadcasters receiving little advance warning of the scale of the increase.

 Deputy Clendennen said, “Local radio plays an invaluable role in communities throughout Ireland, particularly in rural counties like Offaly. Stations such as Midlands 103 provide an essential public service, keeping people informed, connected and represented.

 “News and current affairs programming is particularly important, but it is also among the most expensive content for broadcasters to produce. We need to ensure that the financial pressures facing the sector do not undermine its ability to continue providing these services.”

 In his response, Minister Peter Burke, who recently assumed responsibility for the Culture, Communications and Sport portfolio acknowledged the valuable service that independent broadcasters provide and provided an update on the issue.

 “I’ve met with the Assistant Secretary responsible for this area in the Department this week and I am waiting to receive a proposal from Coimisiún na Meán shortly, which I hope will be positive.

 “I am also looking to see what additional schemes we can put in to support valuable public service information that many of these broadcasters are bringing forward to the user.”

 Acknowledging the significant supports already in place, Deputy Clendennen continued,  “The Government has demonstrated its commitment to supporting independent journalism and public-service broadcasting through a range of funding initiatives. Those supports are important and should be recognised.

 “However, the sudden increase in the regulatory levy has created an additional financial burden for broadcasters, at a time when operating costs and competition for advertising revenue are already placing pressure on the sector.

 “This is not about removing the responsibility of broadcasters to contribute towards regulation. It is about examining whether a proportionate intervention could alleviate the impact of an exceptional increase while protecting the long-term viability of the sector.

 “I have asked the Minister to consider measures to mitigate this significant increase to ensure we protect local journalism and the viability of local radio stations who are essentially small and medium enterprises,” Deputy Clendennen concluded.