IBI welcomes Programme for Government pledges in support of local radio.

s="ct-span oxy-stock-content-styles" id="span-24-97814">The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) has today, 16th January 2025, welcomed funding pledges for local and independent radio in the Programme for Government.

The 162-page draft document, which was published by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on Wednesday evening, states that the incoming government will ensure “accessible funding for local radio and print media to support the provision of objective news and current affairs content."  The incoming government has also agreed to review the Sound and Vision radio and television funding scheme to support broadcasters and “make it easier to access and ensure proportionate and accessible funding for independent radio."

There are also pledges to strengthen the Local Democracy and Court Reporting Schemes “to ensure they are meeting their intended objectives," and to explore options “to maintain access to local and commercial radio”.

IBI, which represents 34 local, regional and national independent radio stations, said the Programme for Government acknowledges and pledges action on crucial areas that the independent radio sector has been highlighting.

“The Programme sets a positive foundation for us to engage with the new Media Minister, and we will be rolling up our sleeves and working constructively with the Minister and the Government to action the Programme’s policies dealing with our sector," said Michael Kelly, chief executive of IBI.  

“The Media section of the Programme provides a strong basis for positively and constructively progressing key issues to ensure a strong independent radio sector.  We very much look forward to an early meeting with the new Minister to progress the policies as soon as possible,” he added.  We are very grateful to all of those who were involved in negotiating and putting together the Programme for Government for seeing the need to address major issues facing independent radio.  "We will now work together with Government to help ensure the actions are delivered, and to put in place measures needed to ensure a more level playing-field in the media sector."  

Kelly noted that the Programme states that “independent media, both nationally and locally, performs a vital public service”.  

"The document promises to ensure supports for the independent radio sector are proportionate and accessible, and that is essential," he concluded.