MLCs also backed changes to the definition of public service broadcaster so that legislation will no longer limit the definition to meaning Manx Radio.

Former BBC reporter Kerry Sharpe pushed for the changes on the definition of public service broadcaster.

Under her amendment - which will need to go back to the House of Keys for approval - the definition should mean ’one or more licence-holders’, meaning Manx Radio owners, Radio Manx Ltd, plus another licence-holder specified by the Council of Ministers. It could also extend beyond two licence holders.

Ms Sharpe said: ’I am not seeking to undermine or unsettle Manx Radio. I simply believe it is more accurate if this Bill clearly states that public service broadcaster means a company, which holds an appropriate licence, and that the bill does not refer to just one company per se.

’The Bill will still acknowledge that Manx Radio is the public service broadcaster.’

Attorney General John Quinn said there were no objections to the amendment.

He added that Manx Radio was named as the public service broadcaster in response to a Tynwald recommendation by the public service broadcasting select committee, which said the Council of Ministers should give Manx Radio a ’permanent existence and status’ as the independent public service broadcaster.

Several MLCs said the change would future-proof legislation to acknowledge the possibility of another public service broadcaster but did not undermine Manx Radio’s position.

But Bill Henderson voted against the amendment He said the original select committee report had not sought a broadening of the definition.

’My principal point of concern is the fact that we are using primary legislation to circumvent the will of Tynwald,’ he said. ’That motion still stands. It has not been superseded in any particular way.’

However, Mr Quinn said the amendment was not at odds with the 2014 Tynwald resolution. Ms Sharpe told MLCs the Communications Commission had no objection to the amendment.

The media world had ’changed so much’ since 2014, she added.

’We have to open our minds as to the best way that we can provide a strong and trustworthy public service media for the people of the Isle of Man.’

The council voted six-two in favour of the change, with only Mr Cretney joining Mr Henderson in opposing the amendment.

Before it can become law the Bill, which regulates broadcasting and telecommunications, will return to the House of Keys for approval of the amendments.