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Time to have a conversation about public service broadcasting – Coghlan

30th September 2015 - Aoife Carragher

Fine Gael Senator for Kerry and Government Chief Whip in the Seanad, Paul Coghlan, has called for an urgent discussion on the definition of public service broadcasting and on the payment of 2% of licence fees to RTÉ.

“I believe that it is time for us to have a serious and a meaningful conversation about the definition of public service broadcasting. The fact that local radio stations who undoubtedly play a role in public service broadcasting, must pay a 2% levy on all of their turnover, while RTÉ benefit from the national licence fee, is in my eyes, unfair.

“Public service broadcasting is, in my opinion, provided not only by the national broadcaster RTÉ, it is also provided by independent local stations. These stations broadcast news and news programmes that are of interest to the public and fall within the remit of public service broadcasting.

“While I appreciate the high quality programming that RTÉ produces, I believe that this monopoly-like treatment does a major disservice to local stations. We must level the playing pitch and address this issue without delay.

“I understand that the Minister for Communications, Alex White has called for a debate on this issue but this must happen sooner rather than later. It is ridiculous that local radio stations are providing a high quality service and receiving nothing in return.

“A redefinition of what public service broadcasting means is what is needed and I would like this discussion to take place as soon as possible.”