From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, today (Wednesday 15 February) reaffirmed her support for a potential new Irish language radio service, as the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) publishes research which highlights younger listeners’ interest in having greater choice in Irish language audio content. The research was conducted by the BAI to ascertain the interest in and the potential for a full-time Irish Language radio service aimed at the 15-34 audience in Ireland.
Speaking today, Minister Martin said:
“I am a strong advocate for providing more, and more widely available, Irish language content and services, in particular for young people. It is, however, important that we understand not only how young people engage with audio content, both on FM and online, and the level of interest in a new Irish language service, but also what they want from such a service and what it must deliver for them.”
Key among the research findings is that nationally, young people still engage with audio content, and radio still remains popular with 87% of respondents listening on a weekly basis. The research also highlights that 70% of respondents whose first language is English are interested in, and open to, a new Irish language station. However, this audience are increasingly moving to digital content and having podcasts and sharable clips which complement live radio would be important for any new service.
Also commenting on the research, Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, Patrick O'Donovan, said:
“The research conducted into the listening habits and needs of young people is very valuable to us and will inform how we approach developments in this area in the coming years. It’s clear to me that the evolution of a new high quality radio service for young people has the potential to expose more and more young people to Irish, helping to expand and normalize the use of the language in our society as a whole.”
The main attraction for any such service will be the type of music played on the service, and also that any service dealt with the issues that concerns young people, with a variety of high quality content including culture, sport, chat shows, and current affairs.
Minister Martin added:
“While Coimisiún na Meán, which I will formally establish next month, will be responsible for the licensing of independent radio broadcasting services in Ireland, I have said before that if possible I would like to see this type of service being put in place for younger people. This research will be very useful to An Coimisiún as they consider the wants and needs of Irish radio listeners.”
The research will assist Coimisiún na Meán when considering any new licensing strategies as part of its regulatory activities in ensuring that Irish audiences are served by a diverse range of broadcasting services.
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) together with Foras na Gaeilge, and with support from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, commissioned a research project to ascertain the level of interest in a youth focused, Irish language radio service. The project was initiated by the BAI’s Irish Language Advisory Committee which includes representatives from the BAI; Foras na Gaeilge; CRAOL (representative body for Irish community radio); Independent Broadcasters of Ireland; RTÉ; TG4; Oireachtas na Gaeilge; and Screen Producers Ireland.
There were two separate research projects undertaken:
Some points which emerge from the research include:
The BAI will be dissolved next month and its functions and staff will be absorbed within those of the new media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán.