Radio stations came ‘critically close’ to shutting down, industry chief warns

John Purcell, chair of IBI, said most of its 34 members were close to shutdown during the pandemic. Picture: Oireachtas TV/PA

Almost all members of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) came “critically close” to shutting down radio stations in the wake of the pandemic, an Oireachtas committee has heard.

John Purcell, chair of IBI, said most of its 34 members were at least a week away from closing and were saved only by Government funding.