The radio stations 3FM and Energy FM have been told they were not consulted on the 2006 Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill because it was neither appropriate nor necessary to do so.

At question time in the House of Keys former Home Affairs Minister John Shimmin said the legislation was primarily designed to establish Manx Radio's position as the Island's public service broadcaster for the next thirty years.

He said the matter had been in the public domain for a year, during which any concerns could have been raised.

Michael MHK David Cannan asked the minister if he agreed with 3FM and Energy when they said the level of government funding received by Manx Radio enabled it to act in an anti-competative way.

Mr Shimmin said that wasn't the reason for the Bill:

(Images, left to right: Manx Radio, from manxscenes.com; House of Keys chamber; Former Home Affairs Minister John Shimmin, now Minister for Local Government and the Environment).