The Independent Radio and Television Commission yesterday took issue with Mr Bob Geldof's description of it as a group of spoilsports standing in the way of a good idea. Mr Geldof wishes to launch a music channel, Atomic TV, to be broadcast on Cablelink.
In a statement, the IRTC said it was not opposed to Mr Geldof's proposal in itself, but it was unhappy that there was no legislative framework in place to deal with issues such as broadcasting content and editorial balance. The IRTC added that it feared stations already licensed could be placed at a significant commercial disadvantage.
The commission said it had received 33 submissions from parties interested in securing one of a number of contracts for the provision of community sound broadcasting services.