BBC IoM station unrealistic, committee hears

Head of digital gives evidence

The BBC’s Head of Digital for English Regions says she doesn’t think the creation of a local radio station to serve the Isle of Man is a realistic possibility.

Ms Laura Ellis was giving evidence to the committee tasked with investigating the provision of public service broadcasting on the Island at the legislative buildings this afternoon.

Dr Alex Allinson MHK, who chairs the committee, says there’s a perception on the Island that license fee payers are “paying twice”, in paying for the BBC licence fee, and also Manx Radio’s subvention.

Ms Ellis said the decision was not hers to make, but if it were, she would rather see investment in media which would serve younger generations, than construct a BBC Isle of Man radio station: