The Broadcast Authority of Ireland has published a draft BAI Broadcasting Services Strategy for public consultation. The draft Strategy outlines the BAI’s proposed approach to the license of broadcasting services that are additional to those currently provided by RTÉ and TG4 and for any future services that may be provided by the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Irish Film Channel.
The BAI is inviting public consultation from interested parties on their vision of the optimum mix of broadcasting services to be licensed in Ireland. The proposed vision from the BAI is that ”The people of Ireland will be served by a vibrant broadcasting sector consisting of a mix of public service, commercial and community broadcasters who provide content and programming that caters for and reflects the diversity within Irish Society. At the core of this optimum mix is a range of national, regional, local and community broadcasting services complemented by an additional mix of niche services. Such services may be provided by commercial or not-for-profit business models to provide a diverse range of content and programming choices to Irish listeners and viewers.”
The BAI are seeking views on the objectives of the BAI strategy as well as reactions to factors like legislation, policy, practice and economy in attaining the best mix in the broadcast sector. The BAI are also seeking advice on different licensing approaches and how the BAI could encourage new service including those that could be carried on the digital terrestrial television platform.
Respondents are invited to comment on a whole host of proposed ideas including the cost of making applications for commercial sound broadcasting services, topics surrounding ownership and control and the requirement for 20% News and Current Affairs content on Irish radio services.
The document is open to public consultation until 23rd September and there will be a one-day targeted industry stakeholder event on September 15th hosted by the BAI. A finalised Strategy document will be released following the consideration of public consultation.
Submissions are welcome until 5pm on Friday 23rd September 2011 and a copy of the consultation document is available to read here.
