• Nearly 80% of all adults in the Republic of Ireland agree that news and current affairs is sometimes biased towards the views of its owners
• 3 in 4 adults worry that individual people or businesses have too much ownership of the media.
• 84% feel that community radio would add to the diversity of content available to them as listeners
• Over 90% of Irish adults feel that community radio would bring/brings a social benefit to the community it serves 
• Only 39% of those surveyed were aware that communities can set up their own community radio station.
• Currently 904,310 Adults 18+ are served by 24 fully licenced Community Radio stations.
• Community radio is legally defined as being not-for-profit, representative and accountable to the communities they serve, and delivering a social benefit to their community.

Source: Nationwide Red C/Grey Heron Poll of 1005+ Adults conducted 12th – 14th December 2011 

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A new poll has found that nearly 80% of all ROI adults agree that news and current affairs is sometimes biased towards the views of its owners. Those aged 55+ and Connaught Ulster residents are most likely to agree.

The Red C/Grey Heron Media poll of 1005 adults nationwide also found that 3 in 4 adults worry that people / businesses have too much ownership of the media. Males and those aged 25-34 and aged 45-54 are more likely to agree.

The research was carried out by Red C and Grey Heron Media on behalf of Craol the Community Radio forum of Ireland. 

The poll also showed that 84% of the population feel that community radio would add to the diversity of content available to them as listeners.  Community Radio stations are not for profit, representative and accountable to the community they serve. However only 39% of those surveyed were aware that communities can set up their own licensed community radio stations.  Currently just over 900,000 Adults 18+ are currently served by 24 fully licenced Community Radio stations.

Community Radio is a rapidly growing third broadcasting sector and a force for community development, identity, and expression.

Community Radio Stations are set up, owned, and driven by the communities they serve. They operate on a not-for-profit basis. No one can make money from Community Radio but in a community radio station, young and old, with all abilities, backgrounds, and interests, come together to make a difference to their community.

Tina Heffernan, Chair of Craol, explains that “Community radio gives communities, and the groups and individuals within those communities a voice with which to be heard”. She added “The community not only gains in having a broader diversity in listening options, they also gain a forum for sharing experience, discovering fresh perspectives, and supporting community activity.”

 Under the 2009 Broadcasting Act, Community Radio was legally defined for the first time with a definition of being representative and accountable to the communities they serve, being not-for-profit, and delivering a social benefit to their community

Community Radio is regulated by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. There are 24 Stations currently operating 10 year licences. The 2009 Act also introduced temporary licences for community sound broadcasting services of up to 100 days per annum for communities exploring the viability of setting up a community radio service.

The Broadcasting Authority proposed to introduce a more open licensing process for new community radio services in its Draft Broadcasting Services Strategy published in August 2011.