The Communications Minister has announced funding of €2.5 million for the commercial independent radio sector.
Richard Bruton says local and independent radio stations have a crucial role to play in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.
It's after he announced earlier this week the Broadcasting Levy, payable by the radio sector, would be waived for the first six months of the year, saving local radio and independent stations around €1 million.
In a statement, Minister Bruton said "communities everywhere rely on their local station as a trusted source of information and this is especially important now as we manage this pandemic":
"In recognition of the significant and immediate financial impact on the sector as a result of the fall-off in advertising revenue arising from the virus, I am today announcing that further support will be provided.
"I have written to the BAI to ask them to put in place urgent funding of up to €2.5million for the commercial independent radio sector through a repurposing of existing Sound and Vision funding towards a special round under that Scheme.
"I have asked the BAI to report to me on the impact of these measures and the government-wide actions, on independent radio and to keep me updated on the financial well-being of the sector in general in the current environment."
