My core policy objectives for the development of the broadcasting sector are detailed in my Department's Statement of Strategy, 2005-2007. These objectives are: to create an environment that encourages the maintenance of high quality Irish radio and television services by both independent broadcasters and RTE; to secure a viable future for high quality public service broadcasting; to seek to retain access to a range of high quality programming in analogue and digital form on a universal and free-to-air basis.
My key priorities for achieving these objectives include the following: developing the regulatory framework by bringing forward a Bill to provide for the establishment of a single content regulator for both public and private broadcasters and restructuring RTE from a corporate point of view; ensuring adequate public funding for RTE and TG4 so that they can deliver on their statutory mandate; building on progress made in maximising the effectiveness of television licence fee collection; facilitating the successful establishment of a Digital Terrestrial Television platform on a pilot basis in 2006.
I am of the opinion that Irish viewers will be best served by a broadcasting environment that includes a strong public service broadcasting presence together with private broadcasters.