The Independent Radio and Television Commission (IRTC) has welcomed major proposals for digital television which will give it an expanded role in the development and regulation of new broadcasting services.
Legislation governing the proposals to revolutionise broadcasting will include the establishment of a new regulatory body. This organisation will monitor the standard of programming and advertising on up to 30 television channels.
Teilifis na Gaeilge has also welcomed the digital proposals which allow for additional services by the Irish language station. The legislation will also include proposals for TnaG to be set up as an entity in its own right, independent of RTE.
TnaG's ceannasai (chief executive), Mr Cathal Goan, said it was always the plan that TnaG would be independent eventually. The station was in discussions with RTE on the mechanisms "to allow TnaG to move on its own on a fairly painless way". It was a "bit early" for the station to move to independence now, but Mr Goan said the proposals put in context the future of TnaG in the digital age. It would be an ideal opportunity for the station to develop its commercial potential and to remain different from other services.
The proposals were announced by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Ms de Valera, who had been given Cabinet approval on Tuesday for Heads of the New Bill. Ms de Valera said the Bill was "enabling legislation" and independence for TnaG would be on a phased basis.
The Minister also said the new body would take on the current functions of the IRTC and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission. This is believed to mean the IRTC would have a new name with more functions, but the same organisation would be involved. Ms de Valera said parliamentary draftsmen would work on the proposed legislation next month and it would be published in the autumn.
In a statement, the IRTC's chairman, Mr Niall Stokes, said that while much of the detail of the legislation remained to be clarified, the commission was particularly pleased that the Government has reaffirmed its support for retaining a broadcasting regulator. He said the proposals were in line with the IRTC's policy paper submitted to the Minister last year.
The Association of Independent Radio Stations (AIRS) also welcomed the proposed legislation which includes a provision to abolish the 3 per cent levy on local radio stations which is paid to the IRTC. AIRS said "these decisions are further and welcomed recognition by the Government of the fact that independent local radio is now a highly influential and integral part of broadcasting communications and community life in Ireland".
