Levy ‘at worst possible time’ for broadcasters

A LEVY to fund the new Broadcasting Authority of Ireland is being imposed on all broadcasters licensed in the state at the worst possible time, the head of the new independent regulator admitted yesterday.

BAI chairman Bob Collins said the authority was being funded by the levy, rather than being funded by the Government through the Department of Communications.

The BAI has taken over the functions of the previous Broadcasting Commission of Ireland and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission.