MR should reduce speech-based output

Too much talking for Chair of Communications Commission

The Chair of the Communications Commission says he thinks Manx Radio should reduce its speech-based output by 25 per cent.

Bill Malarkey was giving evidence to the Tynwald Committee tasked with reviewing the provision of public service broadcasting on the Island.

Under the stipulations of Manx Radio's current license agreement, 40% of its broadcast content must be speech-based.

Mr Malarkey said in his view, this was too high, and the station could reduce costs in that way.

Managing Director of Manx Radio Anthony Pugh responded that such a move would turn it into "a pop station with some news".