Sustainable funding essential to ensure future of public service media, say broadcasters
Ireland is currently among the bottom 10 of 46 countries included in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) with just 0.08% of GDP going towards public service media funding. The is below the EBU average of 0.14%.
Director general of TG4, Deirdre Ní Choistín, will tell the Oireachtas media committee that any multiannual funding arrangement must be adequate, predictable and sustainable.
Also appearing before the committee are representatives from Virgin Media Television, Screen Producers Ireland and the Community Television Association.
The representatives have been invited to give their insights and input as part of pre-legislative scrutiny of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill.
Managing director of Virgin Media Television, Áine Ní Chaoindealbháin, will note that Virgin Media Television is entirely funded through advertising and commercial revenues and is the only Irish broadcaster with a public service content remit that is not in receipt of public funding.
In her opening statement, Ms Ní Chaoindealbháin will tell the committee that delivering its public service remit on a purely commercial basis is not viable under current funding arrangements.
While the proposed media fund is welcomed, Ms Ní Chaoindealbháin highlights that the funding allocation is based on additionality only and so the challenge to maintain its existing remit and output remains.
Both TG4 and Virgin Media Television emphasise the importance of media plurality and diversity are crucial for a democratic society.
The new platform-neutral media fund will see 25% of any new fund allocated to Irish language, something Ms Ní Choistín believes will strengthen TG4's work with the independent production sector and support Gaeltacht and regional employment.
Proposals around funding are largely welcomed, however, Screen Producers Ireland (SPI) will raise concerns around new frameworks set out in the bill and whether it complies with the European Media Freedom Act.
CEO of SPI Susan Kirby will also tell the committee that commissioning independently produced content on a year-round basis is essential for the successful development of the independent production sector.
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