The Communications Minister says measures “above and beyond” what has been seen so far will be unveiled in the coming days, to protect local radio during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The industry has come under threat in recent days due to a sudden drop in advertising revenue, and in response, the broadcasting levy paid by independent radio stations has been waived for the first six months of this year.
But the funding averages out at only two and half to three thousand euro per month, per station.
Minister Richard Bruton has reassured that another suite of supports is being finalised.
Managing Director of Clare FM Liam O’Shea is expressing hope that the measures to be announced this week will see emergency funding drawn down for local radio stations through the Sound and Vision scheme.
He says if this is done urgently, local radio will survive this pandemic.
