Commission to proceed with new TV services

The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) is to press ahead with plans for new television services after reviewing 42 expressions of interest from TV companies, media firms and community groups, writes Emmet Oliver.

The BCI board, which finishes its term of office in October, has decided that despite the lack of interest among major TV players, there is scope for new services.

In a speech this week the chairman of the BCI, Mr Conor Maguire, said advancing new TV services was one of its priorities. He said the possibility of new services was envisaged in the Broadcasting Act 2001.

"The BCI sought expressions of interest for the provision of new television services on cable, MMDS and satellite systems, late last year. We have since had the opportunity to consider the expressions received in detail and will be announcing more detail on our plans for the establishment of a licensing regime for such services in the near future," he said, after opening new offices for the BCI this week in Dublin.

The BCI received 42 submissions from companies, community groups, broadcasters and radio stations for the new services.

While TV3 and Setanta were among those making proposals, few other TV companies or broadcasters made submissions. Even TV3, while making a submission, expressed scepticism about the viability of new services.

However, there was considerable interest from various community organisations, special interest groups and State institutions, including Dáil Éireann, which expressed an interest in a parliamentary channel.

The heavy bias in favour of community services may have persuaded major TV groups not to make submissions.

However, there would be considerable interest for a licence serving Dublin and surrounding regions. Mr Michael Murphy, former digital television director at Eircom, submitted a Dublin TV proposal.

In his submission he said "there is an opportunity for an entertainment and lifestyle channel with a strong Dublin identity".

However, he said international investors would not come forward until the BCI announced precisely how many licences would be offered and the terms of those licences.