A new Independent report shows reform of the TV licence fee would help to tackle evasion and increase revenue.
This report commissioned by the Independent broadcasters of Ireland -the IBI – which represents 34 independent radio stations across the country, shows Ireland now has a variety – of stations producing and transmitting programming that can be classified as public service content.
However, it shows that 87% of all licence fee funds are allocated to RTÉ 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 but, no funds from the licence fee were allocated specifically for public service content on independent radio.
The report also highlights there is no separate television licence fee structure for commercial premises – such as hotels.
It says licence fee evasion remains particularly high in Ireland with ¬ 30m being lost annually through evasion.
The IBI says the introduction of a broadcast charge – to replace the licence fee model and a commercial licence fee – would increase overall revenues and reduce evasion.
