|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
> cable & MMDS | > digital satellite | > digital terrestrial | > ADSL | |
||
 |
> channels | > features | > local TV | > digital FAQ | |
||
 |
 |
> what’s new | > opinion | > links | > forum | |
|
You
are in --> ICDG --> -News Centre -> 24th
February 2001
After much delays, wrangling, and dramatic twists, the Senate has FINALLY passed the Broadcasting Bill 1999, completing its eighteen month trip through Parliament. During the committee stage and third reading debates on Thursday, two important attempts at amending the Bill were rejected. One would have provided for TG4's services to be must carrry on MMDS - a resonable proposition, but one the Minister chose to reject on the rather flimsy basis that TG4 was available terrestrially. (What the Government apparently fails to understand is that very few people choose to have TWO digital platforms). The other related to a campaign to get all material on Irish TV subtitled within six years. Unfortunately that failed also. The Bill now goes to the President for the assent - probably in the next month or so. It then becomes law - as the Broadcasting Act 2001. The Bill sets the stage for the introduction of DTT and also reforms most of the broadcasting bodies in Ireland - none have remained unscathed. Although the Minister then chooses when to implement the new Act, it is likely that the public will then see the first signs of changes within weeks as the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland replaces the IRTC. The de-merger of TG4 and the Transmission Company from RTE may take some time to achieve - indeed TG4 themselves have said that the transmission to full status may take up to two years. However for us at ICDG, we will be keeping our eyes on the DTT Operator contest which will happen over the coming months and should be completed by the Autumn. As firms declare for the contest, our Irish DTT section will begin to cover their respective proposals for DTT - and here at ICDG we will have full coverage of the bidding. Peter Branagan, formerly head of the Digico Project Team, is rumoured to be the first bidder for the mux licence while the ESB have declared their intention to buy the Transmission Company. Special Feature: A complete guide to the Broadcasting Act 2001. Web Links |