The new Broadcasting Bill 2008 was published today which the Minister describes as significantly changing the broadcasting landscape in Ireland.

The main headlines are the scrapping of the BCI and BCC to establish a new single content regulator to be known as the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. Two new free-to-air television services, Oireachtas TV and an Irish movie channel, are to be established and it includes a “right of reply” mechanism for members of the public.

However, hidden away from the headlines are three sections of interest to us.

The first, Section 133, leads the way for full licencing of DAB Mulitplex’s. Of even more interest, Section 134 appears to allow up to a four year extension on existing FM licences for broadcasters in that spectrum who simulcast on DAB.

The third and final item is of interest to the independent radio programme making side of our operation. This item is Section 116 which allows RTÉ to set aside €500,000 per annum specifically for radio programmes made independently of the station. We really welcome this initiative and hope it will allow for the development of as successful relationship between RTÉ Radio and independent radio producers as has been enjoyed by independent television programme makers over the past 20 years.

The Bill now goes through it’s final legislative stages in the Seanad and Dáil before being signed into law by the President.