A dramatic hike in broadcasting fees to be imposed on Independent radio stations, including Midwest Radio, by the regulator has sent shockwaves through the radio industry.
Without any warning, commercial stations are now faced with an almost 40 percent increase this year in the broadcast levy, that is used to fund Coimisiún na Meán.

This hike in the levy comes on top of increases applied last year, representing an average increase in the charge on the Irish Independent radio stations, over 2 years, of just under 70 percent.

The Chief Executive of Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI), Michael Kelly, insists the levy hike is not sustainable.

There is very strong opposition among Members of IBI to the excessive hikes , and the organisation has today written to the Minister for Communications Patrick O’Donavan requesting his immediate intervention.

Michael has been speaking to Midwest News Editor Teresa O’Malley about the sudden imposition of this significantly increased levy on local radio stations…

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