Ireland’s independent radio stations are warning of a growing crisis over a dramatic hike in broadcasting fees.
The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland say a 39% increase in the broadcast Levy used to fund the independent regulator Comisiún na Meán has come as a massive shock for local stations already battling tight margins.
IBI Chief Executive Michael Kelly is calling on Media Minister Patrick O’Donovan to step in – warning some stations may struggle to survive.
He says; “For smaller stations it could be an increase of maybe €14,000 in the year, for medium-sized stations it could be €30,000, just the increase, and then obviously for larger stations it could be hundreds of thousands of euros”.
Mr Kelly in a statement outlines how; “The 2026 Levy charge for Radio is far greater than the percentage charged to Online Services, Hosting Services, TV or Audiovisual media, and the increase for radio is unsustainable.”
“The increase in the broadcast Levy presents a significant economic challenge to all of IBI members, and for some, it is simply unaffordable. The radio market commercially – particularly at a local level – is challenged. Our market has changed dramatically over the last fifteen years; we now compete against global platforms for audience attention, and crucially, advertising revenue,” he said.
“The radio advertising market only grew by 0.9% last year in Ireland and margins remain tight. It is deeply concerning that these radio Levy increases do not appear to recognise the financial realities in our market, and the problems that such a hike in regulatory fees would cause for our Members. The increase comes at a time when businesses have major worries about levels of inflation.”
“Ireland’s licenced local, regional, multi-city, and national independent radio stations serve millions of listeners. They provide trusted news and current affairs, sports coverage, emergency information, entertainment, and companionship to their audiences.”
