Dear Sir/Madam,
I would suggest that there would be no barrier to entry to the radio
music market.The BCI should act as a minimalist regulator to the market with responsibility
regarding position on the waveband ,strength of signal,decency of output and
conformity with the regulations regarding the % time allowed to advertising.A
bigger % of turnover/advertising revenue than that at present should be paid to
the BCI and a small annual payment in addition to renew a license.
The BCI in it's previous form was known as the Independent Radio &
Television Commission which gave a guide to the "independent"
ownership and direction of the stations.This policy is now abandoned with cross
ownerships and groupings of ownerships.Choice in music played in the commercial
stations is throughout determined by endless research which whip all playlists
in a homogenised blend of bland hits.This allows for less diversity and little
possibility of new bands and musical forms taking hold.It is time to
disassemble the artificially
restricted market in music radio market.
This is my submission as one who has no vested interest in the
marketplace and whose only interest is in a vibriant music radio marketplace.
Coucillor G. Breen