Public broadcasting funding debate ‘too focused on RTÉ’

Commercial radio stations have expressed concern that the debate about the proposed new public service broadcasting charge is too focused on its potential impact on RTÉ.

The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland accused RTÉ of having a “virtual stranglehold” on licence fee income as the organisation urged the Government to ensure the allocation of revenue from the new funding system created a fair and equitable broadcasting landscape.

IBI chairman John Purcell urged Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte to establish a forum between himself, the IBI, and RTÉ to examine funding public service broadcasting into the future.