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'Unfit' radio stations could be knocked out . . . on points

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  • 02-02-2004 3:34pm
    #1
    BrianD
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,221 ✭✭✭


    From todays Irish Independent...will it work?

    'Unfit' radio stations could be knocked out . . . on points

    A "PENALTY points-type" system may be introduced for radio stations which do not live up to the terms of their licences.

    If introduced by Communications Minister Dermot Ahern, it would mean that stations not fulfilling their legal obligations would have advance warning of the withdrawal of their licences as they approach a fixed limit of points.

    This would come up under the area of enforcement and is one of the key recommendations of a report expected to be published soon by Mr Ahern.

    The report commissioned by the Minister from specialists Ox consultants highlights a need for greater transparency in the way licences are allocated.

    At present, under the 1988 Radio and TV Act, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland has powers only to suspend or withdraw licences as sanctions.

    This means that if a group running a station is not fulfilling its role under the legislation, it faces either of those two courses of action from the BCI.

    But the proposed new regime would mean that the "penalty points" system would be introduced, somewhat similar to the way errant drivers are penalised.

    If the terms of the licence were not met in specific areas, the "penalty points" would be imposed up to a total where the licence would be withdrawn.

    The new report says there should be a special non-judicial appeals body set up to increase the transparency and accountability of BCI decisions where a radio station loses its licence.

    Gene McKenna
    Political Editor


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    #2
    Elmo
    Registered Users Posts: 23,641 ✭✭✭✭Elmo


    With 5 national Stations
    and however many local stations


    Do we really need the this plenty point system???????

    espicially when the BCI are happy just to take licence away when every they feel like it.

    I think the BCI need some one to keep an eye on them.

    We need to look at TV at the moment that is more important.

    I mean how many Radio/TV stations in this country are broadcasting digitally????
    Not on Sat or cable btw


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