As part of its policy meeting on Monday, the BCI considered a range of key
issues in deciding whether to licence additional commercial radio services
at this time. These included the report on the impact of the south-east
regional service Beat 102-103 FM on the region as a whole and on the local
services in the area. This was viewed positively.
Also discussed was the Ox report which suggested that the number of services
was generally restricted and that there was greater potential for additional
services, particularly in areas served by just one local station.

The BCI Strategic Plan 2004-2008 was also considered. Under this plan the
BCI is committed to meeting the diverse entertainment, education and
information needs of the people of Ireland while making effective use of a
national resource. One of the Commission's goals is to maximise the number
of broadcasting services of Irish origin or licenced in Ireland.
Specifically the Commission has provided a commitment to review the
licensing policy in respect of different types of services.

The increased availability of spectrum was also discussed by the BCI. Work
undertaken by the Engineering Division, in conjunction with ComReg, will
allow the BCI to offer additional radio services throughout the country on
AM and FM.

The BCI also noted that the substantial workload involved in the
re-advertisement of local radio licences has now concluded, and finally
discussed was the commitment to review the BCI's policy of Ownership and
Control.

In considering all of the above, the Commission agreed in principle that the
licensing of additional services should be progressed at this time.

The BCI have also decided that it would be appropriate that a formal written
policy regarding the future development of services should now be put in
place. No formal written policy exists to date, although the BCI's licensing
policy has centred around three key principles - diversity; use of spectrum;
and viability - all of which have their origins in the 1988 Radio and
Television Act. The new revised written policy will continue to reflect
these principles but in the context of a changed broadcasting environment.
The BCI feels that the sector is now more robust and that the issue of
viability might now be more balanced with the need to ensure diversity. The
increased availability of spectrum may place a different emphasis on this
principle where an efficient frequency plan with known transmission sites
and coverage areas can be matched effectively with expressions of interest
received.

The BCI announced its intentions at a media briefing at their headquarters
yesterday afternoon.

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