Broadcasting bill - TV licence changes are welcome

Communications Minister Eamon Ryan announced a number of changes yesterday involving television licensing that will be incorporated into the forthcoming broadcasting bill.

A television licence could be required for all devices capable of receiving a television signal, such as mobile telephones, but the new bill would empower the minister to exempt certain devices.

The legislation would also provide for a greater distinction between large and small commercial operations. For instance, a B&B with four television sets currently pays the same licence fee as a 100-bedroom hotel. At the same time, a pub with a single set pays the same rate as a large establishment with numerous sets. This is clearly inequitable.