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Independent radio stations to vent anger at government inaction on broadcasting

Independent radio stations to vent anger at government inaction on broadcasting
Independent Broadcasters Ireland IBI

Independent Broadcasters of Ireland say they've 'lost patience' with the government in its failure to address issues which will help protect the future of Irish broadcasting.

Over three years ago, Fine Gael promised to abolish the Broadcast Levy; a hefty tax paid by all independent broadcasters to help fund the state's Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

Over the last decade, advertising revenue to radio stations has fallen substantially with major players in the advertising world choosing instead to increase their digital spend.

Despite a fall in revenue, all independent radio stations must still deliver on providing costly statutory news and current affairs commitments.

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IBI is lobbying politicians at Leinster House this evening.

Among them is IBI Director and CEO of Beat 102-103 Gabrielle Cummins.

She says Irish people trust radio and is demanding that the government implement its commitments which she says will finally go some way in recognising the role stations like Beat play in providing vital information to its audience of 149,000 weekly listeners:

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