The Independent Radio and Television Commission will publish a consultation document on the control of media next month, its chief executive said yesterday.

Mr Michael O'Keeffe said there was a general acceptance that aspects of the commission's ownership policy were out of date.

The rules prevent media groups taking more than 27 per cent of licences, but the commission has made "exceptions" to this on a number of occasions.

Most recently, it drew back from blocking UTV's takeover of the County Media group in Cork. It prevented a 100 per cent acquisition but sanctioned the sale of a 60 per cent stake

While the commission discussed changing the policy at a meeting on April 9th, no decision was reached.

Its chairman, Mr Conor Maguire SC, said members had a range of views on ownership, but denied there was a split.

The consultation paper will be circulated to industry players and the commission hopes to implement a change in September.

The paper, which the commission will produce, will outline ownership policies used throughout Europe.