Irish music percentage on Irish radio

thejuggler

I’m aware that the terms of their broadcasting licence requires most stations to play a certain percentage of Irish music. Different stations fulfil this in their own way - some playing at least a song or two per hour while others have dedicated programmes. Some Irish music content is less obvious. For example the Celine Dion song my heart will go on is considered to meet the criteria because it features uileann pipes.
I’m often surprised that many stations strive to play new Irish music (often regardless of quality) instead of playing tried and trusted Irish hits. I suppose they like to have new content but is there pressure from their record companies to push new artists? Gavin James comes to mind. He’s been played extensively for the last couple of years by Irish radio. Each to their own I suppose - I find his material extremely bland but maybe it’s just the best of a bad lot. You don’t hear much from the stunning, a house, blink, an emotional fish,Van Morrison (technically British) etc on air any more.

StaticNoise

I've mixed thoughts over the mandatory Irish content element. I think that this, along with news and current affairs output, is less important or sustainable in this era. I personally feel news and current affairs is essential, but in the age of streaming services I don't see it's relevancy.

The Irish language requirement is absolutely bonkers in my opinion.