Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004
76 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the terms of reference of the review of the impact of the RTE licence fee on the advertising market; the person the review will be conducted by; when it is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25654/04]
View answerI recently appointed Europe Economics along with Curtin-Dorgan Associates and PricewaterhouseCoopers to carry out the review. The review will consider the impact on all broadcasters of the licence fee paid to RTE, with particular emphasis on possible distortions in the advertising market. The review has now commenced and I expect a report in November. After I have had an opportunity to consider that report I will publish it.
The terms of reference of the review are to describe how public service broadcasting is funded in Ireland and compare this with the funding of other European/international public service broadcasters; to consider how the private broadcasting sector in Ireland is funded and compare this with the funding of other European/international private broadcasters; describe the current advertising market, with particular reference to the broadcasting sector; consider the evolution of competition, including international competition within the advertising market in Ireland; identify and explore areas where RTE's receipt of licence fee income might impact upon other broadcasters; evaluate the impact, if any, that RTE's receipt of licence fee income has on the advertising market in Ireland and explore whether receipt of licence fee income allows RTE to operate from a position of dominance or significant advantage in the advertising market.
