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RADIO: Higher investment in news and content when the broadcasting levy is cut

RADIO: Higher investment in news and content when the broadcasting levy is cut

It's expected a new bill that would reduce annual fees paid by Independent Radio stations, like Beat, will be introduced before the end of the year.

Yesterday government approved plans to reduce the levy by up to 50%.

The Broadcasting Amendment Bill requires the money saved to be invested in news and content by stations.

It'll now go before the Dáil to be discussed when it resumes in the autumn.

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Former Communications minister Denis Naughten says radio-listeners will benefit;

"the condition of it is...this will be invested in news and content and in staff, and it will not be put into the bottom line"

Kilkenny-man John Purcell is Chairman of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland;

"It's a very good move....credit is due to the minister Richard Bruton and his predecessor Denis Naughten...it shows recognition of the importance of independent radio in Ireland"

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