Funding of Public service broadcasting after the election ?

Elmo

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Won't be happening anytime soon according to the IT. The minister has said it should not proceed at this time.

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/plans-for-new-broadcasting-charge-switched-off-1.2673697

TBH I think it is more about providing An Post with funding rather than changing the charge.

Sam Russell

I think it is more populist thinking.

The Broadcasting charge could be quite popular if it meant less money because it factored in the cost of those who do not pay, and An Post's commission/collection charge.

I think about 80% to 85% of households pay and I think An Post get about 5%, so the €160 could drop to €120 per year. That would be popular. They could bring in a charge/levy for broadband paid by the supplier which would also be popular (not so much with the supplier). Collection could be by adding to the electricity bill, so very small cost to collect and very difficult to avoid.

It would be difficult to persuade the political parties that support the 'wont pay' group to support such a change - so it will not happen anytime soon.

Elmo

Sam Russell wrote: »

I think it is more populist thinking.

The Broadcasting charge could be quite popular if it meant less money because it factored in the cost of those who do not pay, and An Post's commission/collection charge.

I think about 80% to 85% of households pay and I think An Post get about 5%, so the €160 could drop to €120 per year. That would be popular. They could bring in a charge/levy for broadband paid by the supplier which would also be popular (not so much with the supplier). Collection could be by adding to the electricity bill, so very small cost to collect and very difficult to avoid.

It would be difficult to persuade the political parties that support the 'wont pay' group to support such a change - so it will not happen anytime soon.

IMO axe the fee and put it on the telcoms based on market share. ComReg and CPCC insure that the fee is not passed to the customer and that the customer is informed of the amount that was paid on their behalf. this could cost from 20euro per to 80euro per year depending on usage (including businesses).

FRIENDO

Sam Russell wrote:

I think about 80% to 85% of households pay and I think An Post get about 5%, so the €160 could drop to €120 per year. That would be popular. They could bring in a charge/levy for broadband paid by the supplier which would also be popular (not so much with the supplier). Collection could be by adding to the electricity bill, so very small cost to collect and very difficult to avoid.

Good idea, however this will include the 15% - 20% of the "Give me all for free Brigade" being included in payment.

Hopefully soon we will get a politician who will make a difference and implement such change, until then it looks like us honest tv licence fee payer's will carry the tab.

Capt'n Midnight

Sam Russell wrote: »

I think about 80% to 85% of households pay and I think An Post get about 5%, so the €160 could drop to €120 per year.

http://www.ibireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Television-Licence-Fee-Report-30-Sept-20151.pdf

An Post Collection €9.72

Given the evasion rate they can't really justify it.

One suggestion I've made before is to add it on to the ESB, with an opt out if you don't use receivers that need licenes.

Sam Russell

Capt'n Midnight wrote: »

http://www.ibireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Television-Licence-Fee-Report-30-Sept-20151.pdf

An Post Collection €9.72

Given the evasion rate they can't really justify it.

One suggestion I've made before is to add it on to the ESB, with an opt out if you don't use receivers that need licenes.

So, according to that report, evasion is about 15% (or higher) and An Post get 6%. The electricity bill is no longer ESB but electricity supply is ESB Networks, so it could be done through ESB Networks as a levy on all electricty bills no matter the billing agent.

The key to the 'Broadcasting Charge' would be to show a gain for current payers in the shape of reduced cost, and the unavoidable nature of the charge for current evaders,

Elmo

Sam Russell wrote: »

So, according to that report, evasion is about 15% (or higher) and An Post get 6%. The electricity bill is no longer ESB but electricity supply is ESB Networks, so it could be done through ESB Networks as a levy on all electricty bills no matter the billing agent.

The key to the 'Broadcasting Charge' would be to show a gain for current payers in the shape of reduced cost, and the unavoidable nature of the charge for current evaders,

Easier to put it on all telecom companies based on market share.
Just even ad it to mobile phones.
200m divided between all operators
Vodafone ~ 70m
3 ~ 60m
Eir ~ 40m
Tesco ~ 16m
Others ~ 14m

5.5m subs
Average monthly bill €28
~3 goes to broadcast charge
~36 per year on average

Add broadband, sub TV, landlines etc

Sam Russell

Elmo wrote: »

Easier to put it on all telecom companies based on market share.
Just even ad it to mobile phones.
200m divided between all operators

Once it moves outside TV, it will fall prey to others demanding their share.

It was a mistake to set up the Sound and Vision fund that allowed the likes of Setanta, a pay TV operator, to get a share.

It could also be charged to the operators of the pay-TV operators - say €5/month or maybe 10%, payable by the operators.

Elmo

Sam Russell wrote: »

Once it moves outside TV, it will fall prey to others demanding their share.

I don't believe this to be the case as it would be across telecoms. Also it should be called the broadcasting charge thus would help.

The BAI have their own interpretation of the broadcasting act it is wrong.

Sam Russell

Elmo wrote: »

I don't believe this to be the case as it would be across telecoms. Also it should be called the broadcasting charge thus would help.

The BAI have their own interpretation of the broadcasting act it is wrong.

Motor Tax went to Irish Water.

I think the Government are quite flexible when it comes to diverting funds.

Elmo

Sam Russell wrote: »

Motor Tax went to Irish Water.

I think the Government are quite flexible when it comes to diverting funds.

Legislate so that it goes to the BAI to distribute. The fact that it goes to the Dept is a major issue.

Sam Russell

I would not trust the BAI with it either. They are also too anti-RTE for my liking, as are the DCENR.

Capt'n Midnight

http://www.cso.ie/en/media/csoie/releasespublications/documents/housing/2010/0910first.pdf

99.2% of households had televisions back in 2005. The drop off is almost certainly due to the availability of steaming , boxsets and personal viewing devices such as laptops and tablets and in part may be related to the cost of the licence.

Given that near universal consumption of televisual media and that lower income households spend proportionately more of their income on TV there is a strong argument to cover the licence from general taxation rather than a fixed amount per household.

Elmo

Capt'n Midnight wrote: »

http://www.cso.ie/en/media/csoie/releasespublications/documents/housing/2010/0910first.pdf

99.2% of households had televisions back in 2005. The drop off is almost certainly due to the availability of steaming , boxsets and personal viewing devices such as laptops and tablets and in part may be related to the cost of the licence.

Given that near universal consumption of televisual media and that lower income households spend proportionately more of their income on TV there is a strong argument to cover the licence from general taxation rather than a fixed amount per household.

The national PSB should not be held for ransom by the government. RTE Bias is far to prevalent. The idea of a indirect tax to the broadcaster is to avoid Bias. The problem in Ireland is when the government is given a huge amount of control. Giving the last decision on an increase, new services, the DG, the Board, Advert Minuets and a raft of other ministerial decision which should never have been allowed.

Since so many people use Telecommunications on a daily bases it should be part and parcel of the charges that such companies take from Subs.

The BAI determines the annual amount.
ComReg determines the amount due by each telcom provider.
CPCC insure that consumers are not charged.
The BAI over see the regulation of broadcast from Ad minutes to the Board.
The BAI are provided with the money not the department.
The Dept and Minister legislate.

Though it is unlikely the new minister will do anything.

Sam Russell

Elmo wrote: »

Though it is unlikely the new minister will do anything.

The last minister did nothing. Nor did the one before that. Do not hold your breath waiting for this one to do anything. We are living through a time of political paralysis.