Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2022
18. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a decision has been made by the Government in relation to alternative funding for public service broadcasting or the future of the television licence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10455/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA vibrant, diverse and independent media sector is vital for not only our democracy but our cultural development. However, it is a sector that is undergoing fundamental change and faces significant challenges.
Acknowledging both the importance of the sector and the rapidly changing landscape in which it operates, the Programme for Government committed to the establishment of the Future of Media Commission.
Chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, the Commission was tasked with considering the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion; and to consider the potential measures required to ensure that our public service media continues to play its essential role within our society. This included considering how public service media can be funded in a way that is sustainable, gives greater security of funding, ensures independent editorial oversight and delivers value for money; and to make recommendations on RTÉ’s role, financing and structure within the public service media framework.
After extensive engagement with stakeholders and the wider public, the Commission completed its work and submitted its report to the Taoiseach and myself last Autumn. The Report’s recommendations are far-reaching and will inform media and broadcasting policy in the coming years.
As such, they have required careful and detailed consideration, particularly in light of a range of other complex and inter-related issues that will require decisions by Government in the wider media and digital space. These include the recently published national digital strategy Harnessing Digital – The Digital Ireland Framework and Ireland’s approach to the implementation of the forthcoming Digital Services Act.
The report is being considered by An Taoiseach. myself and other relevant Ministers with a view to it being brought to Government for consideration shortly.
