Independent broadcasters have said they are nearing a time where they can no longer afford to produce news, sports and current affairs programming.

Representatives from Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) told an Oireachtas Committee today that they are at a tipping point and need access to a new fund.

They believe if the cost of collecting the licence fee was addressed, as well as tackling evasion, as much as €50m extra could be available for all broadcasters, including RTÉ.

IBI chairman John Purcell warned that local programming on the country’s radio stations could disappear.

“It would mean that we’d be looking towards syndicated models of programming,” he explained.

“And so the unique local flavour, where a Clare FM, KCLR, a Highland Radio, a Midlands Radio 3 – I could go on – where they currently have fully developed and fully staffed broadcasting outlets in their local area which reflect their area, that’s what’s at risk.”