The Bill was introduced on May 27th, 1999.
The main provisions are as follows:
- Facilitates the introduction of Digital Terrestrial Television(DTT) into Ireland.
- The Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht may designate a company which will be licensed by the Director of Telecommunications Regulation to construct the DTT infrastructure to comprise 6 transmission devices(known as multiplexes).
- Each transmission device will have the capacity for around 6 television channels.
- Changes the name of the IRTC to the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland.
- Repeals and restates the provisions of the Broadcasting Authority Act, 1960 and the Radio and Television Act, 1988 in respect of the Broadcasting Complaints Commission.
- Extends the remit of the Complaints Commission to cover all providers of broadcast content.
- Clarifies remit of RTE and Telefis na Gaeilge under the Broadcasting Acts.
- Provides for incorporation of Telefis na Gaeilge.
- Sets up a fund of £500,000 to be disbursed by the Commission on transmission infrastructure at local and community level.
- Repeals section 14 (4) (b) of the 1988 Act allowing the IRTC to impose a levy on the income of independent broadcasters.
- Amends section 4 of the 1993 Act to provide that in the financial year 1999, RTE will make available £16 million for independent television productions and will do so thereafter in line with changes in the consumer Price Index.
For further information, please contact A & L Goodbody.
This article was intended to provide general guidelines. Specialist advice should be sought about specific facts.