That's according to Independent Broadcasters Ireland, which has appeared before an Oireachtas Committee today to represent commercial stations.It says many were within about a week of demise during lockdown, before the Government Covid supports came into place.Chairman John Purcell says this kind of Government support could also be replicated to allow stations to explore issues around climate change as well as Covid:
"But to do that we need staff and currently, as I said, our business model is in a fragile state. It was never more fragile than during COVID, but when the proper supports were put in, we were able to rise to the occasion. So in terms of practical help that we can receive, what I would ask this committee to do is to work with us to take the lessons learned from the success of the COVID scheme, and to try and apply it to other, other areas."
