Carlow Kilkenny TD John McGuinness believes the broadcast levy should be abolished.
The Fianna Fail Deputy was speaking as members of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, including Beat's CEO Gabrielle Cummins, held a briefing in Dublin on amendments to the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill and the future of media commission.
Former Taoiseach and Fine Gael Leader, Enda Kenny, committed to abolishing the levy in 2016 if Fine Gael were re-elected in Government, but there's still been no change to what's expected from stations across the country.
Speaking to Beat News today, Deputy John McGuinness says;
"The levy is quite an outdated instrument of raising the fund or levying the industry, and I think it should be removed."
"From today's meeting, we will be raising the issue with the Minister, to see can we get changes."
"I think the financial support that's required for radio stations, is now coming under pressure, and the levy is an added burden."
"So instead of a levy, they should be supporting the industry out of what they already have."
The amendments to the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill is currently making it's way through the Dail after being passed in the Seanad earlier this year.
Deputy John McGuinness also paid tribute to the work done by regional radio stations, like Beat, saying:
"For me with Beat and all local and regional stations, you know you're speaking directly to the people."
"The audience then know that you're speaking the truth, and they know you're making a direct input for them into Government."
"The integrity of that needs to be protected, and I think the way to do that is to abolish the levy."
