TV licence collection privatised and replaced with device licence fee in 5 years

Boggles · 02-08-2019 04:07PM

markodaly wrote: »

This is owned by RTE, do they not use it for anything else. Well, if they do not, you have just made the case easier for it to close.

Which is the point. If one can access pretty much the same content for free, why does the taxpayer have to fund a station that provides near-identical content?
It makes zero sense. If they were doing something unique or of actual public interest then fair enough, buts its a niche station for a niche market. The tax payer should never be funding a station like this.

Indeed the question should be, why should we keep funding it?

Irish Language Broadcasting is a Niche Market.

Should that be jettisoned too?

According to the 2016 Republic of Ireland census 73,803 people speak the Irish language daily in the Republic of Ireland outside the education system including 20,586 people who speak it every day in the Gaeltacht outside the education system. However, only 8,068 census 2016 forms were completed in Irish

02-08-2019 04:12PM

OneEightSeven wrote: »

Not all of them, 7 of them are being paid through companies:

Individual - Status - Rank - Fees earned €
Tuttle Productions Ltd (For the services of Ryan Tubridy) - Contractor - 1 - 495,000

What Next Productions Ltd (For the services of Ray Darcy) - Contractor - 2 - 450,000

Cladaghgreen Ltd (For the services of Joe Duffy) - Contractor - 3 - 389,988

Sean O'Rourke - Employee - 4 - 308,964

Montrose Services Ltd (For the services of Marian Finucane) - Contractor - 5 - 300,617

Baby Blue Productions Ltd (For the services of Miriam O'Callaghan) - Contractor - 6 - 299,000

Derrough Media Ltd (For the services of Claire Byrne) - Contractor - 7 - 216,000

Bryan Dobson - Employee - 8 - 198,146

Bergauf Ltd (For the services of George Hamilton) - Contractor - 9 - 186,195

Mary Wilson - Employee - 10 - 185,679

You would think that might concern them about being contractors? they could just have the terms and conditions altered drastically (namely pay), if they arent direct employees of RTE, could very easily cut their pay and its not like they arent making enough in the first place yet they pay tax in a different way to employees.
Surely this would be an easy thing to sort, upon re signing of contracts its just X, like it or lump it. Ive rarely come across Miriam O'Callaghan or Joe Duffy on the radio, annoying as Fcuk, droning on, if Ive ever heard their shows and they were on holidays, the stand in was significantly better IMO.

markodaly · 02-08-2019 04:23PM

Boggles wrote: »

Irish Language Broadcasting is a Niche Market.

Should that be jettisoned too?

It is a niche market, but there are not that ready-made alternatives around the world being that Irish is an Ireland only remit, so as I said, perhaps we can invest in some Irish language broadcasting.

Yet, you did not answer my question.
Why should the taxpayer fund a station that essentially plays content that can be found for free in many other places?
Why should we keep funding it?
If the station did not exist, would you favor its creation?

I find it odd that you are defending this, but you like to take up contrarian positions because you have a predisposition to be argumentative.

JohnMc1 · 02-08-2019 04:43PM

This and all the other taxes that are no doubt coming with the Oct budget will have people heading for the exit in the coming years.

Pa ElGrande · 02-08-2019 05:05PM

whisky_galore wrote: »

Someone should have told Sean Ó Riada classical music was "foreign" muck.

The man himself said on a Danish TV interview "there is not a European classical music in this country . . . ."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSn07vfWwKM

02-08-2019 05:12PM

Would it even enter the heads of the people running rte to make it a subscription service, have they ever mulled it over?.

Say 7.99 or 9.99 for HD a month (works out at nearly 96.00 and 120.00 euro for the year), one bloody tv channel and one radio station is enough.

Also is it illegal to make someone pay for a service that they do not want or use?

Kivaro · 02-08-2019 05:13PM

So funny to watch Dee Forbes complaining about the implementation timeline of this new household charge.
Her final comment on the 6/1 News segment this evening was:
"There is a lot of money bleeding from the system at the moment."
While she might have been talking about non-compliance in current license (tax) payments, I was more thinking of this:

celtic_oz wrote: »

1. Ryan Tubridy: €495,000

2. Ray D’Arcy: €450,000

3. Joe Duffy: €389,988

4. Sean O’Rourke: €308,964

5. Marian Finucane: €300,617

6. Miriam O’Callaghan: €299,000

7. Claire Byrne: €216,000

8. Bryan Dobson: €198,146

9. George Hamilton: €186,195

10. Mary Wilson: 185,679

Dee Forbes and all the rest of the elitist RTE board need to go.
That step alone could bring the television license down to about €25 per year, which is still overpriced compared to their 'service' offerings.

Pa ElGrande · 02-08-2019 05:25PM

Pa ElGrande wrote: »

The current system is just a hidden jobs for the boys subsidy for An Post. It is technically possible for people to sign up on RTE.IE but finding a post office is becoming increasingly harder as many have already been closed and more will follow.

I spoke too soon, here they are.

'Large-scale Post Office closures inevitable' if An Post loses TV licence fee contract, say Postmasters

Update: Postmasters are concerned about the Government plan to tender the contract for the collection of TV Licence fees.

The Irish Postmasters’ Union (IPU) said it is worth €3m to them each year and claim that if it is lost, it would place hundreds of Post Offices at risk of closing.

IPU General Secretary Ned O’Hara said: “If a major utility were to win the contract it is likely that it would push for a deduct at source approach, thereby removing the need for use of the Post Office.”

source

Rubberchikken · 02-08-2019 05:40PM

how does it make sense to take the licence collecting away from an post and given to something similar to irish water, who's first step was to decide what bonuses wiuld be given, and they hadnt even started working.
this country *sigh*

Pa ElGrande · 02-08-2019 05:55PM

Boggles wrote: »

Irish Language Broadcasting is a Niche Market.

Should that be jettisoned too?

There are about 122,515 Polish speakers in the country (2016 census) surely they have a greater claim to Polish language services given they also have to pay the TV tax - should they not get some public service for their money?

It also brings up another question how much of that 12% evasion rate are non-Irish nationals who have no particular interest in RTE content? What if there is only another 5% native households left to pay the tax, at what point is the RTE tax collection hitting the law of diminishing marginal returns?

mvl · 02-08-2019 05:55PM

Charles Babbage wrote: »

This is blx.They should simply add the licence fee to the property tax, collection costs zero.

you mean rather esb bills - to cover tenants and landlords ?

but is this another scandal for us to be getting wound up about ?
I don't want to have to paye anything for RTE, I am not following them; I've no TV in the house neither; and as an employee paying high rate of tax as is, plus all my other taxes, have some extremely inappropriate words for whoever came with this idea ...

Loafing Oaf · 02-08-2019 05:57PM

Deleted User wrote: »

Would it even enter the heads of the people running rte to make it a subscription service, have they ever mulled it over?.

For about five seconds I'd say. However much time it took them to realise that if it was a voluntary subscription, a big chunk of the population would choose not to pay it, and RTE's income would consequently collapse.

Pa ElGrande · 02-08-2019 06:07PM

Loafing Oaf wrote: »

For about five seconds I'd say. However much time it took them to realise that if it was a voluntary subscription, a big chunk of the population would choose not to pay it, and RTE's income would consequently collapse.

If they want to access RTE.IE domain from an IP based device (laptop, Smartphone etc) then of course they will pay it. Netflix & SKY have already established the subscription model and Irish people take that up. Within 5 years it's likely that even youtube will be mostly subscription service.

malinheader · 02-08-2019 06:22PM

OldGoat wrote: »

(Ironically enough) From the RTE source quoted in the OP, "To address this, Mr Bruton is announcing that a new five-year contract for the collection of the licence fee will be put out to public tender later this year."

If you don't want the tender to go to a friend of FG then apply for it yerself. It's a public tender.

Assess the task
Draw up a plan
Present your costings
Profit.

Do you really think all government tenders go to the best people for the job.
I agree that they should do. But do they.

Limpy · 02-08-2019 06:24PM

I pay the licence. But when I am in another country RTE is blocked. If I pay for the right to see it I should have access regardless of where I travel.

Untill that's fixed I am not going to renew it.

Dufflecoat Fanny · 02-08-2019 06:44PM

it's all a distraction tactic from all the other ****e

Boggles · 02-08-2019 06:55PM

Pa ElGrande wrote: »

There are about 122,515 Polish speakers in the country (2016 census) surely they have a greater claim to Polish language services given they also have to pay the TV tax - should they not get some public service for their money?

They like me they have Polsat, they are catered for.

I am completely in favor of you don't watch you don't pay, but if you do consume, you pay. I completely applaud those who have cut the cable, like your good self.

I think the vast majority of the country would pay though.

Pa ElGrande · 02-08-2019 06:56PM

Working Group on the Future Funding of Public Service Broadcasting

In July 2018, the Government decided to establish a cross-departmental Working Group on the Future Funding of Public Service Broadcasting to examine options for the collection of the TV licence fee or its replacement, including but not limited to collection by the Revenue Commissioners, tendering for licence fee collection; and replacement of the licence fee with a Broadcasting Charge or a variation. These terms of reference took account of the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Public Service Broadcasting of November 2017. The Group reported to the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment in April 2019.

The Recommendations of the report were:

1. That the TV licence be put out to public tender as soon as the enabling legislation, the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill, is enacted. It will be necessary to offer a fixed term contract of 5 years in order to make it feasible for the successful tender to invest in database and collection improvements;

2. That at the end of the contract period, the licence fee should be replaced by a device-independent charge to support public service content on a sustainable basis.

The Working Group's report will be redacted for commercial sensitivity and published on the Department's website shortly

source

Note that RTE does not get 100% of the TV tax.

As I noted in the Dail last week, EU state aid rules prohibit the setting up of the sort of fund envisaged by the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI). However, the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill includes proposed amendments to Sections 33 and 123 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 to allow the Broadcasting Authority (BAI) to be allocated public funding from TV Licence fee receipts towards meeting its operating expenses. It is intended that the consequent reductions in levy contributions, up to a maximum of 50% would be applied 'across the board' so that all broadcasters would benefit in equal proportion from the measure. Drafting is at an advanced stage by Parliamentary Counsel and I intend to publish the Bill in quarter 2 this year.

The independent radio sector already benefits from the BAI Sound and Vision Scheme which is funded from 7% of the net TV Licence fee receipts. The Scheme provided over €494,000 towards 77 different radio projects for broadcast on independent commercial stations in 2018.

source

Boggles · 02-08-2019 06:57PM

markodaly wrote: »

Yet, you did not answer my question.
Why should the taxpayer fund a station that essentially plays content that can be found for free in many other places?

Like I said that is an impossible question for me to answer, by that barometer nearly everything is up for the chop. I don't think we should kill things on that basis.

Public service has to cater for everyone, it gets about 300,000 listeners.

I suppose I'd ask 3 question.

What does cost?

What does it earn?

What's the value of it?

James Brown · 02-08-2019 06:59PM

Another con job IMO. They should be cutting back on RTE to home produced content only not looking for more money. Money will also be siphoned off for elsewhere. Tax is paid on goods such as electronics, so this is not called for in any sense. Also for those concerned about free houses and such likely there will be some form of allowance.

CelticSeaShip · 02-08-2019 07:10PM

Loafing Oaf wrote: »

At best this would get the government to drop these plans and revert to the status quo. If you're looking to get the whole concept of a broadcasting licence abolished, I reckon a mass campaign of civil disobedience, with thousands of people prepared to do time rather than pay, is the only way.

Thousands of people doing civil disobedience is never going to happen. For lot of people this news will pass over because they are too ingrossed in love Island or themselves or in their own real life dramas. For others, society is divided. There's a section of society who's well off, make no mistake about it. They will think nothing of paying up a new tax or levy and will probably do so gladly and happily.

malinheader · 02-08-2019 07:17PM

I will be spending my licence money tomorrow evening watching donegal v mayo. I have to go out to watch it as rte are not showing it.

toleratethis · 02-08-2019 07:27PM

We pay 1 TV license fee, I certainly won't pay more than that, nor one cent for a mobile device. Best I can recollect I remember 1 series worth paying something for in the past year or two, that was Bádóirí on TG4. Tony Connelly has a good Brexit podcast but, I can get Brexit updates from him on Twitter free.

I do know none of the "A" list RTE celebs ðŸ™„ are worth a fraction what they're paid. I don't find RTE terribly independent either, favouring the Government of the day often by omitting other voices altogether. This is also the reason no FFFG Govt will make RTE a subscription service, they know full well most people wouldn't pay for it - unless under threat of court action ðŸ™„

Pa ElGrande · 02-08-2019 07:30PM

CelticSeaShip wrote: »

Thousands of people doing civil disobedience is never going to happen. For lot of people this news will pass over because they are too ingrossed in love Island or themselves or in their own real life dramas. For others, society is divided. There's a section of society who's well off, make no mistake about it. They will think nothing of paying up a new tax or levy and will probably do so gladly and happily.

Irish people are generally favourably disposed towards RTE and that's despite the persistent claims over the years of nepotism, earnings compared with the domestic competition, political bias (It is limited by broadcast rules much to the chagrin of some of some individuals), sub-par output and repeats of repeats. RTE cannot count on this goodwill forever and while they are the best looking horse in the slaughter house that is Irish media they must also develop with the Irish audfience and beyond or they will increasingly become irrelevant while their costs rise, there are only so many repeats consumers can take.

Boggles · 02-08-2019 07:33PM

malinheader wrote: »

I will be spending my licence money tomorrow evening watching donegal v mayo. I have to go out to watch it as rte are not showing it.

That's not strictly RTEs fault.

You can get for a tenner though from Sky.

Loafing Oaf · 02-08-2019 07:41PM

CelticSeaShip wrote: »

Thousands of people doing civil disobedience is never going to happen.

I don't believe it will either but some on this thread are claiming there is a similar level of discontent with the TV licence in whatever form as there was with water charges. I'm just pointing out that if this was really true, all it would take to 'smash the system' would be a few thousand 'principled evaders' prepared to risk a jail sentence.

joeysoap · 02-08-2019 07:42PM

In Portugal it’s added to the electricity bill. But it’s about €35 a year with ‘hardship’ families paying €12. t he amount in effect to date is € 2.85 per month or € 5.70 if the invoice has a billing period of two months. To these values will be added the VAT of 6%. As a result, it was determined that the beneficiaries of social support will have access to a reduction of this tax with the value of € 1 per month (excluding VAT)

malinheader · 02-08-2019 07:42PM

Boggles wrote: »

That's not strictly RTEs fault.

You can get for a tenner though from Sky.

I agree that the gaa also has a big part to play in this.
Still the semi finals of one of our national sports should definitely be screened by our national TV channel.

Do you have to be paying to the sports channel on sky to get it for a tenner.6

Boggles · 02-08-2019 07:49PM

malinheader wrote: »

Do you have to be paying to the sports channel on sky to get it for a tenner.6

No, you can get it here.

https://www.nowtv.com/ie

They have an App for most Smart Tvs.

malinheader · 02-08-2019 07:54PM

Boggles wrote: »

No, you can get it here.

https://www.nowtv.com/ie

They have an App for most Smart Tvs.

Thanks. Going to check it out now.

TV licence collection privatised and replaced with device licence fee in 5 years

Comments