Independent Broadcasters of Ireland calls for television licence fee overhaul
The body representing 34 of Ireland's independent radio stations is calling for all public service broadcasting to be funded through the television licence fee.
The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland's commissioned a report which shows a number of independent stations are producing public service content.
However, almost 90% of funding collected through the TV licence goes to RTE and TG4.
The report, which was undertaken by Kevin Rafter, shows that 68% of all radio listened to in July of this year was independent radio.
However, no funds from the licence fee were allocated specifically for public service content on independent radio.
The report also shows licence fee evasion is still high - with €30m lost annually through evasion.
The chairman of IBI John Purcell has said it is time to overhaul the TV licence fee model.
“Your regular household around the country pays €160, but a hotel with 200 televisions will only pay €160 as well,” said Purcell.
“We believe it’s time to look how the TV licence is collected and how it’s distributed.”
You can view the report in full here.
