Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
69. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has plans to end the commercialisation of RTÉ and replace the licence fee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34708/23]
View answerAs a public body established by statute, the role of RTÉ is set out in the relevant legislation, the Broadcasting Act 2009. Since its formal establishment through the Broadcasting Authority Act 1960, RTÉ has been dual-funded through the television licence fee and through commercial income, which has historically been pursued through the sale of advertising and sponsorship.
The report of the Future of Media Commission did consider the merit of the current dual-funding model when compared with a public-only funding model and a commercial-only funding model, such as that used for Channel 4.
It considered that moving to either would be unfeasible because neither model could deliver levels of income adequate to cover the costs of public service media provision on an annual basis. The Commission estimated, based on a 2019 reference year, that the licence fee would have to have been set at €260 per annum, rather than €160, to replace all displaced commercial revenues.
While recommending that the dual funding system be maintained, the Future of Media Commission also recommended that that the TV licence be abolished and replaced with Exchequer funding funded through general taxation. The Government decided not to accept that recommendation. Instead, Government decided that the current system should be reformed and enhanced to provide a more equitable and sustainable funding model.
The Government established a Technical Working Group to examine potential reforms, including how the licence fee might be reformed to reflect changes in technology and viewing habits. The Group paid particular attention to the need to provide secure and sustainable funding for public service media and content.
While the Group has submitted their report to me, a Government decision on the future funding model for public service broadcasting has been paused until the independent examination of RTÉ has been completed and its findings considered.
Public service broadcasting is of vital importance to our society and democracy. As difficult as it is given all that we have learned over recent weeks, I will be considering whether RTÉ needs short term Exchequer support in the coming period with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform, in the context of the 2024 Estimates.
