Broadcasting Commission welcomes reforms

The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has welcomed Minister Dermot Ahern's announcement of the reform of broadcasting policy and regulation and the establishment of a single content regulator for the sector.

The package of reforms was announced on Wednesday and include a €43 increase in the current licence fee.

A €7 portion of that fee will go towards a special fund for public sector broadcasting from which all free-to-air broadcasters, including RTE, can draw.

The BCI said they were very pleased with the Government's decision to give the new single content regulator responsibility for the fund which is estimated at €8m.

Chairman of the BCI, Conor Maguire, said they eagerly await the establishment of the new regulator.

"The concept of a single content regulator is a prudent and pragmatic approach to regulating the developing broadcasting environment.

"The BCI looks forward to playing a significant role in the new regulatory structures, as envisaged by the Minister," he said.