A Fine Gael MEP candidate has said independent radio should receive a portion of the licence fee.
Simon Harris says RTE is not the only broadcasting outlet that provides a public service and that Independent radio plays a vital role in the area.
Over 2.5 million Irish people listen to local, independent radio stations everyday.
Speaking to KCLR , Simon Harris says broadcasting laws should be amended to allow Independent stations a slice of the licence fee.
“I think this is a really important issue – we have a situation where, as taxpayers, we’re all paying a licence fee and we’re paying a licence fee for public service broadcasting” eh said.
“The State-owned broadcaster RTE I believe do quite a good job in this country – but they’re not the only people who provide public service broadcasting”.
“And in fairness to local radio, I think – particularly in this election, in the European elections – I’ve actually seen much more of a commitment to providing diverse views”.
“And I think we need to seriously look domestically at the broadcasting act (and) amending it” he added.
