Irish Christian Broadcasters
Dear Minister
May I first
of all congratulate Minister Dermot Ahearne on his promotion to Foreign
Affairs, and wish him every possible success on his new appointment. May I also
welcome you, as the new Minister. Your energetic and dynamic approach to your
work will be a great asset to forward momentum of Communications in this
country.
Addressing
my comments directly to the Ministers review of Broadcasting and looking to the
future, I want to make a few comments which express what is central to where I
personally am coming from as a citizen and I will secondarily address the
issues as a Director of Irish Christian Broadcasters
Firstly, as a Citizen.
I am so
thankful to live in a democracy with an open society, where there is freedom to
live largely as I choose to live. Ireland is a great Nation and society with a
rich history. Society has shifted a great deal in the recent years and as a middle
aged man, with a family of 5 children, running my own business, I really
appreciate what society has to offer here in Ireland.
What I had
not previously known, but am now aware of is that the Media has a huge impact
upon society, and there is overwhelming evidence and research to support this
fact. Therefore, I believe that our media has the potential to address many of
the central and core issues in our society, and without any doubt, is
influencing our society more and more.
Ireland has
a very rich culture and heritage. Central to that heritage is the foundations
laid by St Patrick for the Christian Faith and is enshrined in the Constitution
of Ireland and understood the world over. Ireland was known as the “land of
Saints and Scholars”, and it can again be! Because the media in general, and
Radio in particular has the potential to draw out the very best in our rich
history and Christian roots and culture, - I do believe there is a definite
place for a Christian Media, in Ireland.
At present,
we have no dedicated licensed Christian Radio Station on air in Ireland. We believe there is a place for it. This
entitlement / right to this choice is also supported by independent research,
which shows the demand for it. But we don’t have it. Our Public Sector
Broadcaster – RTE does a great job and has its own mandate, and the Independent
Sector also does a great job. Thank God for what they do.
So what is
different about what I have to say? My central point and thought is that we do
not have available, or the possibility of it yet being available, - a dedicated
radio station, which is focused on “Family” issues, and is presenting a message
(as all stations do) – which is meeting the needs of Irish families and
respects and enhanced the rich cultural diversity and mix of the Christian
heritage, which is part of our Culture and Values.
With my
colleagues in Ministry, both in Church life, family oriented ministry, and in
respect of radio in the future in Ireland, we are all agreed that a family
oriented radio station, which is national, would be a huge and beneficial
addition to the diversity and choice in the radio landscape, and would be a
significant offering to the people of this island. Ireland does not need to
follow the course of our neighboring nations on either side of us, with marital
breakdown at over 50% and the incident of child abuse, neglect and substantial
family conflict reaching epidemic proportions. We can do something to make a
difference in the lives of the people on this island of ours, and radio has a
significant part to play. We are still a nation of people who regard themselves
as 92-93% Christian and over 55% of the population attends church every week
still. This means we are the highest % Christian population Nation in the world
and also the highest church going nation in the world. There is a current low
level of marriage breakdown and children are in most families living in happy
homes.
However
this is not to be taken for granted – that it will last and the trends of
history will show that the trend is toward decline. We are also one of the very
few countries in the world where Christian radio is not legalized.
Therefore,
as a citizen, as a husband and parent, having been a pastor for 16 years and
active in my own faith and encouraging others in their own faith, I can
understand the real life issues which face people in this nation in terms of
raising healthy families, and maintaining and growing a strong Christian Faith.
It is my conviction that we can both run a successful radio station here in
Ireland, which is Irish and addresses the needs of Irish people, and will be of
great benefit to the people in the nation who will choose to listen to it, if
it becomes available. I have no doubt that the silent majority of people in
this nation would agree with me.
Secondly as a Director of Irish Christian
Broadcasters (I.C.B.)
In the late
1990’s I began to listen to a UK radio station (United Christian Broadcasters)
which has a Christian Ethos and values and found some of its programs
particularly helpful. As it became unavailable in 1999, I wondered why and
became involved – initially out of concern and curiosity – to try and see if it
could become available again. I entered a new world where I discovered there
was quite a history going back on this, and felt there was merit in becoming
more actively involved in the campaign for Christian Radio.
In 2000
Irish Christian Broadcasters was formed to seek to follow up on the efforts of
Christians in the Irish Republic in the past, and also based upon Resolutions
from the Dail Sub Committees (1999, and 2002) and the Northern Ireland Assembly
(2000) –to seek to assist in the process of making Christian Radio a
possibility in Ireland. (Attached to this submission is a History and
Background on the campaign by Irish Christians to meet the unfulfilled demand
for Christian Radio. This has been prepared for ICB by the Centre for Justice
and Liberty in the UK, who have acted as Consultants to ICB for the past 4
years).
I am
continuing with the effort to persuade the Minister and the Regulators to open
the door for Christian Radio in Ireland. This submission, comes on the heels of
the Consultations the Minister had with the industry in Athlone 2 weeks ago, in
which over 40% of the delegates asking questions of the Minister and his
Officials – made requests for Christian Radio in Ireland. It also supports the
request by 15 of the 31 applicant groups in the last round of expressions of
interest to the BCI – requesting either a dedicated Family / Christian Radio
for their area, or would carry Christian content. Ireland is the only Country
in all of Europe who does not have Christian Radio station. The top Independent
Radio station in Portugal (Today FM equivalent) is a Christian Radio Station. I
use this example because Portugal has a similar population and religious
background to Ireland.
In Conclusion
There is
whole lot of history to this request. Rather than facing the future looking
backwards, I have attempted in this public forum to paint a picture of what it
can potentially look like moving forward. We believe there is a place in the AM
and FM spectrum for a National Christian Radio, which will be diverse and will
meet real needs of families and will cater for the potential audience out there
who have not the opportunity to listen to an Irish made and presented Christian
Radio. We have a richness in our past. Our society is changing. We ask here for
Christian Radio in Ireland, along the lines I have expressed above. It will add
to the choice and diversity in the radio landscape.
I look
forward to the day when we can together move this whole process forward. I
believe that day is coming, and I look forward to us making that journey
together!
Your
Sincerely
Stephen
Cardy
Director –
Irish Christian Broadcasters
A History of Christian Radio Licensing Requests in Ireland
30th September 2004
Irish Christian Broadcasters is a
cross-community radio service to the south and north, from mainstream Christian
denominations. We have repeatedly asked, for over 20 years, to be able to apply
for licenses, (or provisional licenses or derogations), to pay license fees
and, provide family and Christian music radio to meet unfulfilled demand,
throughout Ireland.
We have never been allowed to apply for a
license to re-transmit our radio service.
Our concerns are exemplified by the comment
from the IRTC, to one of our colleagues in the 1990’s that Christians will
never get a radio licence in this country. But, nobody should be excluded from
licensing, by virtue of race, sex or religion – under Ireland’s Constitution
and European Union commitments to Freedom of Expression and Religion, without
Discrimination.
Ireland, the most Christian country in
Europe, is the only European country without a licensed, operating Christian
radio station. By comparison, New Zealand has 3 national Christian radio
networks, America has 1,700 Christian radio stations, Italy a national 270
station network, France a national syndicate of 80 Christian radio stations,
Portugal’s market leader is RFM/Renascenca, Spain’s religious station, Cadena
COPE, is second – (Radio World International).
If demand for speech, pop or country music
is fulfilled, why not for Christian Contemporary Music - the world’s fastest
growing genre? Ireland’s regulatory blockage has hindered world-class Celtic
Irish musicians like Maire Brennan in the south, and Robin Mark in the north.
We are still trying to apply for a licence
today. We hope that this shows persistent patience and determination, not any
prejudice. We are not averse to any
other broadcasters, we simply want the opportunity to join in with our
competitors and provide diversity on the radio.
History Based on Irish Christian Broadcasters’ Files, kept by us, and our colleagues:
1.
1983 onwards
First requests for a Christian radio licence, to TD’s and Ministers, were met with the response that a forthcoming Radio & Television Act in 1988, would provide licensing for Christians
2.
13th
Mar 1990
The IRTC wrote to to An Tanaiste, Mr Brian
Lenihan TD – explaining that the Christian radio applicants should respond to
future public notices in the media.
3. 23rd Mar 1990
An Tanaiste, Mr Brian Lenihan TD, wrote to
Christian radio applicants saying that we should have an opportunity to respond
to future public notices in the media.
4.
27th
Mar 1990
IRTC wrote to Christian radio applicants,
assuring they would receive future consideration.
5. 30th May 1990
IRTC considering Christian radio under
‘community and special interest’ broadcasting. But it was talk-based, so disappointment
because it excluded Christian music radio applicants.
6. 21st Jun 1990
IRTC wrote to Christian radio applicants,
deferring broadcast licences, for Irish Christians.
7. 12th Jul 1990
IRTC wrote diverting Christian radio
applicants towards ‘community licences’, but this ended in disappointment, as
community licence application rules excluded Christian music radio.
8. 21st Oct 1990 - Sunday
Business Post
Press article highlighting injustice of IRTC
delay toward Christian radio applicants.
9. 5th Dec 1990
IRTC letter diverted Christian radio applicants towards ‘special interest licences’. It ended in disappointment, as special interest licence application rules excluded Christian music radio.
10. 14th Jan 1991
IRTC letter to Christian radio applicants,
about Christians applying for ‘special interest licence’ saying Commission has
made no decision on the question of ‘additional licences’.
11. 28th Feb 1991
IRTC letter to Bertie Ahern TD over
Christian radio applicants – saying the IRTC has made no decision on question
of ‘additional licences’ at present.
12. 12th Mar 1991
Roger Garland TD letter complaint that IRTC
is “not at all helpful” to Christian radio applicants.
13. 20th Mar 1991
Letter from Minister for Tourism, Transport
& Communications, Seamus Brennan TD, saying he is to make representations
to IRTC, to try to help Christian radio applicants.
14. 9th Aug 1991 – Irish
Independent
Press article, Christians can’t get licence, candlelit vigils at IRTC who, suddenly object due to frequency shortage – and IRTC claim a survey showed low demand for Christian radio!
15. 6th Jan 1992 – Evening Herald
Press letter, saying IRTC are inundated with
letters calling for Christian radio restoration – incomprehension that such a
community radio service can’t get special category franchise.
16. 8th Jan 1992
Letter from Senator Pat Upton frustrated
with IRTC, offering to avail every opportunity to highlight problem so that
Christian radio can be provided in this country.
17. 16th Jun 1997
Our request to IRTC, for meeting and advice,
to request license application and pay fees etc.
18. 11th Jul 1997
IRTC, refusal to meet due to re-transmitting
by churches of Christian satellite radio, across the country; but the IRTC
admitted that it now had no plans for ‘additional licences’.
19. 8th Oct 1997
Christian expression of interest to IRTC for ‘community radio’ – Rejected, Christian music radio still excluded from ‘community’ and special interest’ radio via their application criteria.
20. 28th Jan 1998
IRTC admitted, unfortunately, a specific Christian station is not to be included on this occasion – then suggested that Christian radio applicants should now resort to programme exchange with the community of interest radio groups, who are able to get IRTC licenses.
21. Before Feb 1999
IRTC ‘Special Interest’ Submissions Guide required programmes to be talk-based, of special interest to a local area, excluding Christian music-based radio trying to meet national demand
22. After Feb 1999
15 days after our complaint to the Oireachtas, IRTC rules suddenly changed, to allow for the first time, other music-driven services, that in theory, we as Christians, could apply for. But national radio and re-transmission of EU-originated satellite Christian radio still excluded.
23. Throughout 1990’s
IRTC limited ‘Community/Community of Interest’ radio to ‘Communities of Interest’ in a limited radius, but Christian community spread nationally, and religious institutions excluded.
24. 22nd Apr 1999
Another written request to the IRTC, for a
meeting with us.
25. 13th May 1999
Our letter thanking IRTC for meeting us on 6th
May 1999, but we were passed from ‘Billy to Jack’, by being advised to seek a
frequency licence from the ODTR because the IRTC told us that terrestrial
re-transmission of our satellite signal is outside the remit of the IRTC.
26. 29th Jul 1999 – Business
& Finance
Business press reporting one IRTC view of
giving frequency to Christian radio, as foolish!
27. [16th August 1999
Internal Dept of Arts, Culture & Gaeltacht
letter, advising ODTR and IRTC that it disagrees with the view that we should
apply to IRTC – but, that we should apply to the ODTR for a re-transmission
licence similar to television re-broadcasting under the Wireless Telegraphy
Act].
28.
6th Oct 1999
Mr P Monaghan (Dail/national prayer
initiative) asking IRTC for meeting to discuss IRTC telling us to go to ODTR
for re-transmission licence, and ODTR telling us to go to the IRTC.
29. 17th Nov 1999
Our request to the IRTC asking them to
release their publicised survey, showing low demand for Christian radio in the
State, that the IRTC had referred to, in the press on 9th Aug 1991.
30. 1st Dec 1999
Letter from Mr P Monaghan getting annoyed
with the IRTC, over not being able to set up a meeting after about 15 telephone
calls – and still asking.
31. 6th Dec 1999
Letter asking again for the survey
publicised by IRTC, showing low demand for Christian radio
32. 16th Dec 1999
Discerning letter from a listener, wanting
answers from IRTC about Christian radio licensing.
33. 10th Jan 2000
Letter asking again for survey, publicised by IRTC, showing low demand for Christian radio.
34. 12th Jan 2000
IRTC letter to the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern
TD – saying that the IRTC board will consider its policy, in March 2000, in
respect of future licensing for Christian radio.
35. 12th Jan 2000
IRTC letter of admission – they do not have research about Christian
religious organisations owning radio stations in their files. This suggests the
IRTC’s survey, justifying exclusion of Christians from licensing in the State,
reported in the press on 9th Aug 1991, never existed.
36. Feb 2000 – Irish Catholic
Catholic newspaper editorial, expressing frustration with the IRTC,
withholding radio licenses.
37. 22nd Jun 2000
Another expression of interest to IRTC - all to no avail because one way
or another we still do not have access to a national, or re-transmission
licence, or application form today.
38. 9th Sep 2000
Our letter to the ODTR seeking a license under Section 5 of the 1926
Wireless Telegraphy Act, for re-transmission of Christian radio on 549 and
846Khz AM, across the State.
39. 20th Nov 2000
Reply from the ODTR, passing us from Billy to Jack, re-directing us to
apply to the IRTC.
40. 7th Dec 2000
Suddenly, after we started to launch an abortive court case, the IRTC advertised for the first time, a religious licence in Dublin. But, it was impossible to use the specified site, Beaumont due to non-ionising radiation in a housing estate so we asked technical questions of the IRTC.
41. 11th Dec 2000
A worried letter to IRTC, over no response from them – they were keeping
us waiting, and we were losing time to use the opportunity to apply within the
5th January IRTC deadline.
42. 15th Dec 2000
Our letter almost begging for a reply from IRTC, to our technical
questions. Time lost was now becoming a serious disadvantage for us, to apply
within the IRTC 5th January deadline.
43. Nothing received, so we urgently requested a fax on 19th
Dec 2000
IRTC fax, dated 14th Dec., received on 19th Dec
refusing to answer some of our questions. The answer to one question over
Dublin-based studios was cited as a reason for rejection.
44. 5th Mar 2001
Freedom Of Information (FOI) request, to try to find out what was going
on at the IRTC.
45. 22nd Mar 2001
IRTC letter refusing access to 2 document categories requested - they would be in touch in the next couple of weeks, over a decision on access to other documentation we requested.
46. 28th Mar 2001
Letter, disappointed at IRTC delay, no reason for rejection of the application as promised 4 weeks before, we said the IRTC unreasonable, giving us nothing and keeping us waiting.
47. 11th Apr 2001 –
Our Dublin City & County Application
IRTC 1 page report, rejecting application due to re-transmitting of satellite radio programme rather than using Dublin studios (what qualified for an ODTR re-transmission licence – disqualified for an IRTC licence). Two applications (without financial backing) were accepted by IRTC, but not ours authored by consultants, backed by a £multi-million turnover.
48. 11th April 2001 – Our Dublin City Application
IRTC 1 page report, rejected application, as service did not comply with one (or appropriate combination) of country, country & Irish, Classis rock, alternative rock, jazz, rhythm & blues, soul & Irish music. (IRTC did not recognize Christian Contemporary Music although it’s the world’s fastest growing music genre with a 1 billion dollar turnover – and despite inclusion of Christian Irish, Christian rock, Christian jazz, Christian blues/soul, and Celtic Christian music).
·
[Unanswered
written question to the IRTC, dated 18th Jun 2001
If this application did not comply for entry into the
competition for a Dublin Special Interest FM Music Licence, because of presence
of Christian music, why was there no notification and why was the £2,000 entry
fee not returned? - No answer recorded, no money returned].
49. 19th Apr 2001
Freedom Of Information (FOI) complaint to the IRTC Chief Executive - asking again for information, transcripts and videos, and an explanation, but none was forthcoming.
50. 19th Apr 2001
IRTC reply to our request, of March 5th, saying why much
information requested can’t be given to us - offering an internal review by an
official at a higher level if we were dissatisfied.
51. 16th May 2001
Our written “Complaint and Request for Internal Review with reference
to our FOI complaint to IRTC Chief Executive of 19th April 2001.”
We were dissatisfied with IRTC Chief Executive.
52. 25th Jun 2001
Internal review of Freedom of Information complaint against IRTC Chief
Executive, carried out by an official at a higher level – turned out to be by
none other than the Chief Executive himself, who found in favour of all the
decisions taken by himself, and his Department.
53. 24th Jul 2001
Letter of ‘no confidence’ in IRTC Chief Executive’s report and its impartiality, no reply received
54. 24th Sep 2001
Letter to the IRTC, asking to be able to obtain a national re-transmission licence, for Christian radio, and also asking to meet the IRTC Chief Executive – no reply received.
55. 11th Jan 2002
Letter, yet again asking to
meet the Chief Executive of the IRTC-BCI, to request licensing.
56. 18th Jan 2002
BCI reply, enclosing expressions of interest policy, no mention of national AM re-transmission.
57. 13th Feb 2002
Our third appearance before Joint Oireachtas Sub-Committee – which
called again, upon the regulatory authorities, to provide Irish Christian
Broadcasters with a licence or derogation.
58. 4th Apr 2002
Our letter to BCI, offering a solution whereby BCI might allow Irish
Christian Broadcasters to apply for derogations on 549 & 846AM to
re-transmit Christian radio to meet national demand.
59. 11th Apr 2002
BCI reply referred to local licences only, refused consideration of national AM sound licences, ignored derogations. Expressions of interest to be submitted when Commission calls for them.
60. 23rd Apr 2002
ODTR said they were unable to apply to International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for Irish Christian Broadcasters’ assignment on 549 & 846AM, so the Joint Oireachtas Committee Chairman applied, but his application supplanted by ODTR applying for the same frequencies
61. 27th Nov 2002
Letter Joint Oireachtas Committee Chairman to ODTR, asking if their application to the ITU at Geneva was for Irish Christian Broadcasters’ use of 549 & 846AM, as the Oireachtas had requested. (Reply, Dec 4th showed ODTR did not apply for Irish Christian Broadcasters’ use).
62. 27th Nov 2003
Letter asking for application forms from BCI, for national frequency re-transmission provisional licenses for Christian radio on 549 & 846AM from Monaghan, or derogations.
63. 5th Dec 2003
BCI reply with new blockage – we hadn’t expressed interest in local
Monaghan radio license.
64. 23rd Dec 2003
Our reply to the BCI – making clear we want to apply for national (not
local) re-transmission of Christian family-orientated music radio licences on
549 & 846AM from Monaghan – no reply.
65. 23rd Jan 2004
A further licensing request to BCI - we did not apply to broadcast only
to County Monaghan, but have consistently requested, over many years, an
application form for a national licence.
66. 29th
Jan 2004
BCI reply, set out policy, ignored national re-transmissions and
derogations, put new technical blockages in our way, suggested we respond to
any public notices inviting expressions of interest – basically, a repeat of
IRTC letters to Christians of March 1990 (14 years earlier).
67. By end of Jan 2004
ComReg responded to all our
requests for a derogation or Wireless Telegraphy license to re-transmit
family/Christian music broadcasts, (exactly the same type of licence currently
held by re-transmission services like Carrigaline), by re-directing us back to
the BCI for a license.
68. 23rd Mar 2004
New approach to BCI: “is the BCI able to provide us with a re-transmission license application under the Wireless Telegraphy Act; how do we apply and what would be the license fee?”
69. 11th Jun 2004
After keeping us waiting for a reply for 79 days, the BCI replied with a fob-off letter and complained that our letters are becoming circular. (It’s Billy to Jack at the taxpayers’ expense)
To Conclude The Northern Assembly debated our problem, voting unanimously to call on the regulator to facilitate us with an AM license - but still no license! We asked the Ombudsman for help, but the BCI and ComReg are not accountable for their administrative actions.
The Oireachtas puts regulators in place to facilitate orderly licensing, and meet public demand for broadcasting. Yet, over 2 decades we demonstrated our willingness to comply with all the regulator’s demands, and that we have no shortage of demand for our service, and that there is no frequency shortage, and that we are willing to pay license fees – but still no license! The truth is, that we have lost confidence in the impartiality of the BCI and ComReg regulators.
(Compiled by Gareth Littler,
Consultant to Irish Christian Broadcasters)