Local and community radio framework
The Minister plans legislation for licensing and regulating local and community radio in the autumn, with RTE’s role under consideration; Cork Local Radio hours will not be extended until the future format is clearer.
asked the Minister for Communications the policies he intends to pursue in relation to local radio; whether he intends to introduce or re-introduce legislation in the matter, if so, when; whether he intends to increase the broadcasting hours available to Cork Local Radio; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
14.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Communications whether he intends allowing expanded broadcasting hours for Cork local radio; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
58.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Communications the plans, if any, he has for the development and control of local and community radio; if he envisages a role for RTE in such development and control; when he envisages being in a position to make allocations of licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 14 and 58 together.
I intend to bring legislative proposals to provide a legal framework for the licensing and regulation of local and community radio before the Oireachtas in the autumn session. In formulating my proposals I will be considering especially the question of the role for RTE in any new regime.
As regards Cork Local Radio, my predecessor took the view that it would be inappropriate to make any decisions on the extension of broadcasting hours in Cork until the future format of local radio became clearer and I concur with that view.