Ireland’s independent radio sector has called for urgent Government intervention following a significant increase in the broadcast Levy, with operators warning the rise could place serious financial pressure on stations nationwide.
It has been confirmed that the Levy, which funds Coimisiún na Meán, will increase by an average of 39% in 2026, with some stations facing hikes amounting to tens of thousands of euro.
The increase comes on top of rises introduced in 2025, bringing the total average increase over two years to approximately 69%.
The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) has said the move has sparked strong opposition across the sector, with stations raising concerns about both the scale and timing of the increase, which was communicated three months into the year.
In a statement, IBI Chief Executive Michael Kelly said: “The 2026 Levy charge for Radio is far greater than the percentage charged to Online Services, Hosting Services, TV or Audiovisual media, and the increase for radio is unsustainable.”
He added: “The increase in the broadcast Levy presents a significant economic challenge to all of IBI members, and for some, it is simply unaffordable. The radio market commercially – particularly at a local level – is challenged. Our market has changed dramatically over the last fifteen years; we now compete against global platforms for audience attention, and crucially, advertising revenue.”
According to the IBI, the levy for radio equates to 2.8% of turnover, compared to 1.21% for television, 1.25% for online services, and 0.54% for hosting services.
Kelly also pointed to wider economic pressures facing the industry, stating: “The radio advertising market only grew by 0.9% last year in Ireland and margins remain tight. It is deeply concerning that these radio Levy increases do not appear to recognise the financial realities in our market, and the problems that such a hike in regulatory fees would cause for our Members. The increase comes at a time when businesses have major worries about levels of inflation.”
Independent stations say the increase has effectively come without prior warning and could see smaller operators facing additional annual costs of around €14,000, at a time when many are already operating on tight margins.
In a letter sent to Media Minister Patrick O'Donovan, the sector outlined its concerns and called for immediate action.
The letter states: “We in the independent radio sector are seeking urgent action in relation to the 39% increase this year in the broadcast Levy used to fund Coimisiún na Meán.”
It continues: “As you know, stations provide trusted news and current affairs, sports news, emergency information, entertainment and companionship to audiences all over Ireland and we have strong connections to communities.”
Highlighting the scale of the increase, the letter adds: “Every radio station in the country has just been notified by Coimisiún na Meán of a huge increase in the Levy to be charged on the radio broadcasting sector for 2026. The average Levy increase for radio is 39% year-on-year and, on top of further increases applied in 2025, this represents an average increase in the charge on the Irish radio sector over 2 years of 69%.”
It further states: “This year’s proposed increase in the regulatory Levy for 2026 represents in many cases a hike of tens of thousands of euro imposed on individual stations, without any notice or warning, and came three months into the year.”
The sector also raised concerns about sustainability, writing: “We believe this increase is not sustainable and the spiralling cost of regulating radio raises many serious issues.”
Calling for political support, the letter adds: “We ask you as a local public representative to help us by contacting decision-makers in Government to make your views known on this serious issue.”
On the wider financial impact, it continues: “The increase in the Levy presents a significant economic challenge to our station and all of the other independent stations. The radio market – particularly at a local level – is challenged. Our market has changed dramatically over the last fifteen years; we now compete against global platforms for audience attention, and crucially, advertising revenue.”
It also highlights disparities across media sectors: “The 2026 Levy charge for Radio is 2.8% of turnover. This is far higher than TV at 1.21%, Online Services at 1.25%, or Hosting Services at 0.54%. We believe this hike in the Levy for radio is unsustainable.”
Finally, the letter reiterates concerns around market conditions: “The radio advertising market only grew by 0.9% last year in Ireland and margins remain tight. It is deeply concerning that these radio Levy increases do not appear to recognise the financial realities in our market, and the problems that such a hike in regulatory fees would cause for our Members. The increase comes at a time when businesses have major worries about levels of inflation.”
The IBI has confirmed it has formally written to the Minister seeking intervention, as discussions around the levy and its impact on the sector continue.
