Broadcast position for writer Waters

CONTROVERSIAL columnist John Waters has been appointed to the Board of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI).

The new BCI board which will remain in place until its replacement the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland is established by the Government will be responsible for licensing local and community radio and television.

In addition the commission is also responsible for overseeing advertising codes and standards.

While outgoing chairman Conor J Maguire, a senior counsel, has been reappointed to the BCI board, five new appointments were named yesterday by Communications Minister Dermot Ahern.

In addition to Irish Times journalist John Waters the new members include Special Olympics organiser Mary Davis and National Disability Authority chairperson Angela Kerins.

Other new members include director of the Southern Advertising Agency Kay McGuinness and director of Dundalk Institute of Technology Tom Collins.

Announcing the new board yesterday Mr Ahern said the new commission was taking over at an exciting time for broadcasting.

"The independent radio sector and TV3 are now well established. They provide a separate voice and a view of Ireland and the world. It is good that we have that diversity and broadcasting strength in a challenging global marketplace," he said.

Meanwhile, a review into local radio licensing is ongoing and should be completed before February.