ABSTRACT
In Ireland, Radio Telefis Eireann (RTE) holds a large part of the Irish television audience and in April 1998 its two channels, RTE 1 and Network Two, held 57% of the Irish television audience during prime time television. TnaG is an Irish language national television station and an offshoot of RTE, but quite independent. It began broadcasting in October 1996 and accommodates English and Irish language advertising. In September 1998, an independent television broadcasting station, entitled TV3, commenced broadcasting. It operates under a licence granted to it by the Irish Radio and Television Commission (IRTC) which was established under the Radio and Television Act 1988 to oversee the granting of licences for independent radio and television operators.
