The Tanaiste has confirmed Labour will abolish a broadcasting levy placed on radio stations, including Beat 102-103, if re-elected.
Currently all local and regional stations must pay a charge to fund the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland - a levy which was introduced during the height of the economic recession.
Last week the Taoiseach Enda Kenny said Fine Gael will abolish the charge if they lead the next government.
And speaking to Beat this morning in Waterford Joan Burton said Labour will follow suit.
"We have a proposal that the broadcasting levy will be phased out, and we have an agreement on that with Fine Gael", she said.
"Local radio has been a very vibrant contributor to life to Ireland so that all radio doesn't just come from Dublin 4 and Donnybrook. I think it's very important, I know people rely on it and enjoy it for local information, and it's not just a business, it's a very important social part of people's lives. So we want to see local broadcasting strongly supported in the future".
