Radio licensing faces review

THE independent radio licensing system must be completely devoid of all political involvement, Communications Minister Dermot Ahern said yesterday.

Announcing promised plans to review radio licensing, Mr Ahern said there would be no alteration of the role played by the independent radio regulator.

“The present system, where licensing decisions are made by an independent regulator will not be altered. I will not support the dilution of strong and independent regulation in this area,” he said. “I am specifically ruling out the possibility of any increased political involvement in the licensing process.”

The review, which is expected to be finalised by the end of the year will involve a thorough assessment of the licensing process as well as a survey of international best-practice.

The latest review, coming on the back of fundamental changes in public service broadcasting, assesses whether there is a need to alter the terms of local radio licenses as well in light of changes in society and broadcasting markets.The current body responsible for awarding radio licenses, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI), is also to be examined with particular emphasis on its power to decide the boundaries of licenses and the type of services to be provided.

Crucially the review process will explore options for an appeals mechanism in relation to licensing decisions and look at the possibility of a provision allowing a license to be renewed.

There has been considerable controversy over BCI decisions in the most recent licensing round, when certain established stations lost their licences despite the fact that they were profitable, popular in their areas and compliant with all licence conditions

A major row erupted in May when the Dáil Communications Committee, headed by Noel O’Flynn, published a report which was highly critical of the BCI without seeking the Commission’s input. The report called for the introduction of a non-judicial appeal mechanism as well as the adoption of quotas for local programming to guarantee local content.

The report also recommended the automatic roll-over of licences where a radio station is in general compliance with its contract and called for more transparency in the licensing process.

Echoing that call, Mr Ahern said he was concerned to ensure absolute fairness.

“My concern is with issues of transparency, cost and fairness within that policy framework. The Licensing Review is designed to examine these issues and to suggest potential reforms, if and where necessary.”

The review will include a public consultation process and will also take on board the input of the BCI, the Joint Oireachtas Communications Committee, radio station owners and broadcasting stakeholders and the listening audience.