Forum on Broadcasting

DMC

Hi Folks,

Due to the lack of a soft copy on this on the web, I'm reproducing the full advertistment by the Forum on Broadcasting in yesterday's papers here. I will mention below is why I think it is important.

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Forum on Broadcasting

The Forum on Broadcasting, recently established by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, invite submissions from interest parties with regard to

• the allocation of public service funding to support desired public broadcasting services (but excluding issues specifically related to the adequacy or otherwise of the current RTÉ licence fee);
• the role of the independent audio-visual production sector;
• the responsibilities of broadcasters in relation to
  - the production and broadcasting of Irish language programmes,
  - the production and broadcasting of cultural programmes and
  - the conservation of Ireland's audio-visual heritage

The closing date for receipt of submissions is 16 May 2002. Submissions should be provided in an electronic format or hard copy, if preferred, and should be sent to the Secretary, Forum on Broadcasting, 17-19 Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 2 (Telephone No (01) 6472541, Fax No (01) 6472542, E-mail; jmeleady@ealga.ie). Respondents are also asked to provide a summary of their submission, where appropriate.

Note:
All responses, unless otherwise indicated, may be made available on a website and the Forum may quote directly from them, in full or in part, in its report to the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. Respondents should clearly identify confidential material which may not be published.

The Forum may, as it considers appropriate, invite oral presentations from interested parties on the basis of submissions received. Such presentations may be in public session.

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Folks, this is an opportunity to set out what we think broadcasting in this country should be about, and I don't want to let it pass us by. The government is giving us an opportunity to air our views on how we see TV and Radio in the future.

What I would like to see happen, is a group of us here, on this ICDG board, who care passionately about broadcasting in this state, make an effort to make a submission to the Forum. Speaking today to close friends on this matter today, we feel this is an opportunity not to be missed. I feel that if this Forum is hijacked by "minority issue" groups, then this Forum will be a waste of time.

This is a chance to shape Public Service Broadcasting for the future, is there anyone else out there interested enough to make their views known, to meet up with the likes of myself to send in a submission on the future of broadcasting in Ireland?

Love to hear from you.

West Briton

I endorse what Damo is saying.

There is a low level campaign in the media at the moment seeking to cut the public service balls out of RTE. Commentators are questioning the need for RTE to be responsible for Network 2 and 2FM and the very existence of Lyric FM.

Back in the bad old days of the 1970s we at least could watch BBC2 or listen to Luxembourg or BBC radio when RTE's content was not even a fifth as diverse as it is now.

However, as we have discovered, we cannot depend on being able to get ANY channel, be it TV or Radio, from outside this State, because the downside of digital technology means that the UK broadcasters can determine what if any of their output we can receive.

Licenced Private sector radio in Ireland has proved that it is more or less incapable of providing choice to Irish listeners. Unless you are a Celine Dion loving, VIP and Hello! reading housewife, there is bugger all worth listening to. There are some honourable exceptions, but they prove the rule. TV3 has set itself up as the RoI outlet for ITV (and make-up manufacturers) rather than providing a broad alternative to RTE.

If RTE is downgraded after the next election we have only ourselves to blame if we remain silent.

But never mind, there will always be Dunphy and Martin the wacky weatherman, won't there?

icdg

Agreed: definitely need to contribute - even if the Forum is a cyncial attempt by Sile deValera to get the government through the election, and the terms are deliberately rather restrictive.

Personally I am in favour of a widely defined public service broadcaster funded by a licence fee (and if necessary advertising). I would not like to see RTE go the way of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, relegated to news, childrens, and educational programmes and funded out of direct taxation. Neither should it be abolished and the licence fee used to fund public service programmes on commercial broadcasting - that would only lead to commercial broadcasters being subsidised for their tacky programmes. RTE definitely needs a second TV channel, and you will see why during the World Cup. 2FM however is surplus to requirements (except as a revenue generator). But Lyric FM and RnaG both provide services the commerical sector would never deliver and hence should remain.

Commercial broadcasting should be subject to light touch regulation, with the market deciding what services should be provided in addition to RTE.

Elmo

Is it good that TV3 has set its self up as ITV Ireland.

It has yet to provide us with any choice that we did not have before Granada took a 35% stake in the channel.

As far as i remember Coronation Street, Champions League and Emmerdale where all on RTE.

I would of liked something different from TV3 and yet i get the same old rubbish, what where Ossie Kilkenny and Co. thinking. (I love money not TV).

All they have proved is that RTE2 should have been Indep. from RTE when it started up.

If the Forum on Broadcasting brings in some rules for Sky and TV3 I will be happy.

RTE need no more rules then they already have, everone is on their back. If its not the government its the Oppisition. RTE sometimes has to say things that it shouldn't but then is given out to by the people in power.

No Tears had to be made, As did Sinners etc. Its called freedom of Speach.

Lyric FM is a good idea something we need from PBS companies. 3% listenership I beleive.