UTV entry highlights ‘anomalies’

The head of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has claimed UTV’s planned entry into the TV market in the Republic has highlighted major anomalies in broadcasting legislation.

BAI chairman Bob Collins said the Belfast-based media group would have far fewer obligations than RTÉ, TV3, or TG4 as it was only applying for a content provision contract.

Under the existing legislation, Mr Collins said UTV — unlike most other TV and radio stations — would not be obliged to pay the broadcasting levy which funds BAI activities.