It’s emerged the Irish media regulator has received its first licence application from a UK-based broadcaster seeking to maintain distribution after Brexit.
Speaking at the Mediacon television and content conference in Dublin, Michael O’Keeffe, chief executive of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), confirmed the regulator had received such an application but declined to say who from.
Broadband TV News understands that German regulators have received similar requests.
Over 500 pan-European channels currently use an Ofcom-issued licence and the United Kingdom is the most significant hub for linear and on-demand services targeting other countries.
Were a ‘No deal Brexit’ to become a reality such licences might become invalid.
Media consultant Simon Kelehan told Broadband TV News that the Irish regulatory environment was probably the closest to the UK in terms of advertising codes and sponsorship rules.
Ireland was placed first in a study by Expert Media Partners (EMP) on which territories would hold the best alternative to UK licensing. EMP’s criteria included regulatory environment, ease of doing business and the quality of life. The Netherlands was second, and Luxembourg third.
