Audience Council
Thursday, 29th March 2007
Present:
Paul M. Kinsella, Leinster (Chairman); Eilis Boland, Northern Ireland; Mary Gallagher McBride, Connacht/Ulster; Maolsheachlainn Ó Caollaí, Foras na Gaeilge; Patrick O’Leary, Equality Authority; Eddie Sheehy, City and County Managers’ Association; Des Sheridan, Community and Voluntary Pillar; Oliver Donohue, ICTU; Ruth Gallagher, Dublin; Valerie Keegan, IBEC; Niall Madigan, IFA; Maria Killian, ex-officio member RTÉ Authority; Beverly Hanly, RTÉ, Secretary to Audience Council
Regrets:
Mark Connolly, Dublin; Adrian Ó Donnabháin, Munster; Anthony Kelly, Munster; Alison McCullagh, Northern Ireland; Pádraig McGinn, Connaught/Ulster; Anne O’Donnell, National Children’s Office; Sheena Walsh McMahon, Leinster; Paul McDermott, Irish Sports Council; Stephanie O’Callaghan, Arts Council;
RTÉ:
Tom Quinn, RTÉ Group Secretary, Adrian Moynes, Managing Director Radio and Peter Feeney, Head of Public Affairs Policy.
Secretary's Report
The Secretary advised the Council that Rev Dr Alan McCormack had resigned from the Council. The Irish Council of Churches is expected to nominate his replacement in due course.
The Secretary updated the Council on corporate activities since the last meeting and reported on the feedback received from the executive to points raised at that meeting.
Adrian Moynes clarified RTÉ's relationship with the AA. He noted the AA has two distinct roles viz a motoring organisation and an insurance company. The motoring organisation provides the traffic information service. He noted this service is valued by listeners and to not provide it would lose a competitive edge. The AA insurance company is dealt with entirely separately. They buy advertising on radio and television. There is no linkage between the two elements.
Meeting with Authority Programme Sub-Committee
A Council delegation comprising Paul Kinsella (Chairman), Mary Gallagher McBride and Des Sheridan had met with the Authority Programme Sub-Committee on Thursday, 22nd March 2007. On behalf of the delegation, Des Sheridan reported back to the Council. It was agreed that it had been a positive meeting and Paul Kinsella thanked the Sub-Committee, through its Chairman Maria Killian, for meeting with the delegation. It is very useful to have an exchange of views on a regular basis. It was noted that it was now unlikely that the Broadcasting Bill 2006 would go through before the General Election and so the future composition and role of the Council is still unclear. In this regard, the need for continuity had again been stressed. It was noted that the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2006 will go through shortly but this only deals with Digital Terrestrial Television and an RTÉ television service for the Irish diaspora.
A presentation will be prepared for the Council in relation to its role and that of the Authority.
A discussion on the complaints procedure then ensued. It was agreed that there are good complaints procedures in place and both Adrian Moynes and Peter Feeney informed the Council in detail how these procedures work. A huge number of phone calls, emails and letters are received each year. These are logged and circulated to senior managers as well as going to the Editorial Board each week. However, it is accepted that it is hard to know how representative such contacts are. RTÉ does, however, conduct a detailed survey every two to three years to ascertain the views of the listeners and viewers. Adrian Moynes pointed out that new 5 digit numbers have been introduced to contact programmes and the setting up of a panel of people who would complete a short questionnaire on the web on a daily basis is also being looked at.
Recent Programming
The Chairman was of the view that there had not been enough detailed discussion on programmes over the past couple of meetings, mainly due to time constraints and wished to rectify this for the future. A number of specific items had been identified for discussion today.
The recent controversy over an advertisement by Trocaire was raised. Peter Feeney explained in detail the background to this. He noted that the BCI have introduced a new Code and RTÉ is seeking clarification on what effect that will have on RTÉ's activities. It was agreed that the general principle of what is 'political' needs to be addressed and clarified. Peter Feeney will keep the Council advised of any developments. He will also provide copies of the internal guidelines currently in use to those who are interested.
Gaybo: It was noted how interesting it was to look back and see the part Gay Byrne and the Late Late Show had played in Ireland's changing society over the years. However, there is a danger in these type of programmes to only show one side.
Revised Radio schedules: Adrian Moynes updated the Council on the recent JNLR results. He was pleased to note that after eight research reports showing a decline, RTÉ Radio 1 recorded increased share in Dublin, the most competitive area of the country. Growth in audience is a strategic objective for Radio, so the indications of recovery and renewal are welcome, he said. He did acknowledge that some programmes do still need work and this is an ongoing process.
The recently introduced changes to RTÉ 2fm's are designed to address a very serious downward trend. Initial early signs are encouraging in regard to the target audiences. However, it will be August before there is a firm indication of the impact of the changes.
General programming: Today with Pat Kenny earlier in the morning which dealt with rescues on the Irish sea was singled out for particular praise. The presenter had handled a difficult subject with sensitivity. It was confirmed that RTÉ does not have rights to the Cricket World Cup and it was pointed out that Sports Rights are becoming increasingly expensive as it is clear that people are prepared to pay extra to receive this coverage.
St Patrick's Day Coverage: It was suggested that this was an ideal day to showcase Irish programmes made during the year and for RTÉ to promote itself as the national public service broadcaster with coverage from all over the country. Adrian Moynes pointed out a particular disappointment this year was the cancellation of the Skyfest due to adverse weather conditions.
European Parliament Report: The Council were of the view that this Report is transmitted too late. Some topics can be quite fascinating and it was suggested that perhaps RTÉ might look at a creative and imaginative way of covering these e.g. visit a community affected by some decision etc.
RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival: It was suggested that a behind the scenes documentary might be made about this. It was pointed out that Nationwide covers it extensively each year, as well as the plays being transmitted on Radio. However, Adrian Moynes will convey the Council's suggestion to Television.
General Election Coverage
Peter Feeney gave a comprehensive presentation on RTÉ's stringent procedures in place to ensure balanced coverage in the run up to the General Election. It is very important for RTÉ that the audience turns to RTÉ. He explained that RTÉ has an Election Steering Group, chaired by the Director-General, in place. It meets fortnightly at the moment and will meet much more frequently once the Election is called. This Steering Group brings together all the output areas which ensures good cooperation between all the programmes. It reviews and previews coverage and since last January a log of appearances by all political parties has been kept. RTÉ will also have a count centre at base for the Results Programme. Feedback on RTÉ's coverage after previous Elections has been generally positive. In response to a suggestion that programme giving guidance on the Proportional Representation (PR) system be made, Peter Feeney said this is being looked at. Whilst the majority of presenters are considered impartial, some concern was expressed at what might be described as certain 'personalised commentators/presenters'. It should be noted that for the first time there will be a second national public service broadcaster involved, i.e. TG4, which becomes a separate statutory entity with effect from 1st April and Raidio na Gaeltachta will be playing an active part once again.
The Council thanked Mr Feeney for his presentation.
Date of Next Meeting
Thursday, 24th May 2007