After that, RTÉ hopes Radio 1 will gain approval from UK authorities to launch
via a chain of small broadcast networks which cover main urban centres.
Currently, a broadcaster has to be based in the UK to obtain an Ofcom
licence.
RTÉ says using the DAB+ platform will be considerably less
(approx one fifth) than the present quarter of a million per annum that RTÉ
expends in running costs for 252.
Minister of State for the Diaspora, Joe
McHugh T.D., has welcomed the recommendations: “I am delighted that there is now
a way forward that takes into account as much as possible the views of older
members of the Irish community in Britain. I have committed to making a
contribution to this via the Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme.
The research we funded on this issue has made clear that RTÉ Radio is a
fantastic resource for Irish people in Britain. I’d like also to acknowledge the
leadership the Irish community in Britain has shown on this.”
RTÉ plan to
launch a service on DAB+ digital radio modelled from RTÉ Radio 1 and to work
with stakeholders to maintain contact with the Irish community in Britain.
Details of this service are still being worked out but it is likely to include a
limited amount of new targeted programming commissioned for audiences in
Britain. As a terrestrial radio service this is subject to regulatory approval
in the UK.
The UK Government is currently in consultation about
deregulating the radio industry including the option to have a foreign company
hold a radio licence.
