The growth in pirate radio is forcing a rethink on who should be allowed to operate a radio station in Ireland.
After 50 years of Irish radio broadcasting, is it now time to allow private stations to operate?
There are now at least 20 such illegal stations around the country.
The monopoly on legal radio broadcasting held by RTÉ has been challenged before. On several occasions throughout the years, Irish governments have considered breaking the RTÉ monopoly and allowing commercial radio. Each time the issue has been presented, it has been rejected.
There are now new issues which form part of the debate over the future of radio broadcasting in Ireland. Radio is now set for a new phase of development in terms of popular music and local radio. Before this expansion can happen, it must be decided who will provide the service. The RTÉ monopoly also faces challenges on constitutional grounds. The emergence of illegal pirate stations all over the country also presents a challenge to RTÉ in terms of attracting listeners.
If it is unconstitutional, it will have to be terminated regardless of the consequences.
This episode of 'Frontline' was broadcast on 2 October 1978. The reporter is Michael Heney.
