Press Releases 2009

 

JULY 27TH 2009

 

 

 

BCI ISSUE STATMENT ON THE MEDIA INTERESTS OF DENIS O’BRIEN

At a meeting today (July 27th) the Board of the BCI made a decision in respect of the media interests of Mr. Denis O’Brien in the franchise areas of the state, Dublin and the South West of Ireland. Applying the provisions of its Ownership and Control Policy (2008), the Commission has determined that Mr. O’Brien does not have control of, or substantial interests in, an undue amount of communications media in any of these franchise areas. 

The definition of “communications media” includes radio, television, newspapers, magazines, journals and broadcasting services platforms. 
In making this decision the Commission had regard to the totality of communications media in each of the franchise areas and the relevant audience shares of these communications media. The BCI then applied two tests as provided for in the Policy, a test of substitutability and a test in regard to dominance in relation to opinion forming power. In applying these tests the Commission had regard to the particular characteristics of the various communications media (e.g. type, cost to user, size and nature of target audience). 

Applying these tests the Commission was satisfied that sufficient substitutability exists in terms of communications media in each of the franchise areas. In addition, the Board was satisfied that Mr. O’Brien’s substantial interest in Independent News and Media, coupled with his radio interests, do not constitute dominance in terms of his ability to influence opinion forming power in any of these franchise areas.

Mr O’Brien’s radio interests currently comprise a controlling interest in Newstalk, Today FM, Spin 1038 and Dublin’s 98. He also has a substantial interest in Spin South West.

 

Media Queries to:
Suzanne Sullivan
Q4 Public Relations
01 4751444 / 086 3797291