Independent broadcasters call for slice of licence fee

Commercial radio stations are calling on the Government to create a more balanced broadcasting sector.

The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) which represents 34 stations around the country says RTÉ has an unfair funding advantage.

Launching a policy document today the IBI said it is seeking a proportion of the licence fee given the high level of public service broadcasting content provided by its members.

"Broadcasting remains one of the few sectors where unfair competition from a State-owned entity continues to distort the marketplace," IBI chairman Scott Williams said.

"Having successfully introduced competition in transport, energy, telecommunications, and other sectors, it is now time for the Government to finish what began more than 20 years ago and create a fair and balanced broadcasting sector.

“Independent stations are public service broadcasters too, but the State subsidy of the license fee is going exclusively to one broadcaster. That is unfair."