A new nationwide Red C / Grey Heron poll carried out on behalf of Craol has indicated high levels of concern around news bias towards owners views and around concentration of ownership.
The poll has found that nearly 80% of all adults in the Republic of Ireland agree that news and current affairs is sometimes biased towards the views of its owners, and that in a poll of 1005 adults nationwide - 3 in 4 adults worry that people / businesses have too much ownership of the media.Over 90% believe that community radio brings a social benefit to the communities they serve but there are low levels of awareness to the fact that communities can set up their own station.
Tina Heffernan, Chair of Craol, explains that “Community radio gives communities, and the groups and individuals within those communities a voice with which to be heard”.
She added “The community not only gains in having a broader diversity in listening options, they also gain a forum for sharing experience, discovering fresh perspectives, and supporting community activity.”
Under the 2009 Broadcasting Act, Community Radio was legally defined for the first time with a definition of being representative and accountable to the communities they serve, being not-for-profit, and delivering a social benefit to their community
Community Radio is regulated by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. There are 24 Stations currently operating 10 year licences.
The 2009 Act also introduced temporary licences for community sound broadcasting services of up to 100 days per annum for communities exploring the viability of setting up a community radio service.
The Broadcasting Authority proposed to introduce a more open licensing process for new community radio services in its Draft Broadcasting Services Strategy published in August 2011.
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