Concern for TV and radio jobs remains despite decline in BAI levy on broadcasters to €5.7m

TV and radio stations will have to pay a €5.7 million levy to fund the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland this year in a move that broadcasters have warned could cost jobs in the sector.

However, the BAI confirmed yesterday that the bill stations face is down from an original forecast of €7.6m, after it slashed its budget by 21%.

The reduced budget represents something of a victory for the Oireachtas Communications Committee which had threatened to delay legislation to give effect to the controversial levy over concerns that it would result in job losses in the independent TV and radio sector.