Press Releases 2006
 

22nd DECEMBER 2006

BCI WELCOMES PUBLICATION OF BROADCASTING (AMENDMENT)
BILL, 2006

The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has today (22nd December) welcomed the publication of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill, 2006.  The Bill provides for the licensing of digital terrestrial television (DTT) in Ireland and will allow for progress towards the switch-off of analogue services.  The Bill confers additional functions on the BCI, specifically in licensing multiplex contractors who will provide multiplexes of programming on both digital terrestrial television and digital terrestrial radio.  The Bill also provides that the BCI will run a competitive process for the award of multiplex contracts for both television and radio and will define the terms and conditions under which these contracts will be awarded. 

Speaking about the publication of the Bill, Conor Maguire, Chairperson of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland said, “We are delighted to see the publication of this important Bill and to note the key role that the Commission will play in the development of digital terrestrial television and radio in Ireland.  We have long been aware of the commitment to digital switchover of broadcasting services across Europe and are confident that this proposed piece of legislation will enable Ireland’s timely progress in this regard.  We are confident that the advent of digital terrestrial television and radio will afford the potential for greater diversity of service and choice for Irish listeners and viewers.  We look forward to the enactment of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill, 2006 in due course.”

-Ends-

Media Queries to:

Catherine Logan                                        or                    Aoife Clabby
Q4 Public Relations                                                           BCI