RTÉ Audience Council Communique
Thursday, 6th March 2008
Present: Alison McCullagh, Northern Ireland (Chairperson); Des Sheridan, Community and Voluntary Pillar (Vice-Chairperson); Paul M. Kinsella, Leinster; Niall Madigan, IFA; Sheena Walsh McMahon, Leinster; Eilis Boland, Northern Ireland; Patrick O’Leary, Equality Authority; Valerie Keegan, IBEC; Stephanie O’Callaghan, Arts Council; Ian Malcolm, RTÉ Authority; Mary Gallagher McBride, Connacht/Ulster; Paul McDermott, Irish Sports Council; Eddie Sheehy, City and County Managers’ Association; Beverly Hanly, RTÉ, Secretary to Audience Council
Regrets: Anne O’Donnell, Office of the Minister for Children; Ruth Gallagher, Dublin; Macdara Doyle, ICTU; Pádraig McGinn, Connaught/Ulster;
Absent: Anthony Kelly, Munster; Mark Connolly, Dublin
RTÉ: Tom Quinn, RTÉ Group Secretary and Adrian Moynes, Managing Director Radio.
Welcome
At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed Professor Liam Kelly, a member of the BBC NI Audience Council and Trish Davey, Accountability Manager, BBC NI who were attending this meeting in an observer capacity as had been agreed previously in order to further develop the relationship between the two Councils.
Secretary's Report
The Secretary updated the Council on corporate activities since the meeting in January and reported on the feedback received from the executive to points raised at that meeting.
Presentation by BBC NI Audience Council representatives
The two BBCNI Audience Council gave an interesting overview of the work of the Council including the relationship between the BBC Trust and the executive since the separation of functions in January 2007.
A discussion then ensued. Particular areas of interest to the RTÉ Audience Council members included how public value tests are carried out and what mechanism (if any) is in place to evaluate Council's effectiveness and the BBCNI Council representatives outlined the procedures in place in both instances. They also confirmed that there had been some continuity when the new Audience Council was established as the terms of office of some members of the previous Broadcasting Council overlapped - this had provided an invaluable wealth of experience and knowledge.
It was agreed that while there were similarities between our two Councils, there were also differences and it was noted that it was a particularly timely and interesting discussion from the RTÉ Audience Council's point of view given that it is in a period of transition pending the enactment of the new Broadcasting legislation.
Finally, it was agreed to hold a joint meeting between the two Councils and the Chairperson extended an invitation on behalf of the RTÉ Audience Council to host this meeting in Dublin on Thursday, 29th May 2008.
Two members of the RTÉ Audience Council were invited to attend an upcoming meeting of the BBCNI Audience Council.
Recent Programming
Television programmes which came in for praise included No Frontiers, Would You Believe featuring the late John O'Donoghue, Operation Spider, Nationwide (it was pointed out that this programme is produced by News and Current Affairs using their crews located around the country).
Disappointment was expressed at the fact that the highlights programme from the Oscars ceremony cut off Glen Hansard's (Once) acceptance speech and the fact that Marketa Irklova had been cut out entirely. It was explained that this programme is a package and the RTÉ executive had also been concerned at the way the editing was done. However, it was noted that they had appeared on Tubridy Tonight the previous Saturday night.
Some criticism was expressed about permitting Dustin to enter Eurosong. It was felt that an opportunity had been missed to commemorate the Munich air disaster on the actual anniversary which coincided with the Ireland V Brazil soccer friendly. It was felt that what had been done on Radio 1's Drivetime a few days previously was not really adequate. It was pointed out that RTÉ did not hold the broadcast rights to the Ireland V Brazil match but other commemorative events had been given good coverage.
Once again, coverage of European affairs was raised and it was agreed that there would be a presentation on RTÉ's duties in the run up to the Lisbon Treaty Referendum at the next meeting. It was pointed out, however, that sometimes such coverage is not always recognised as such depending on what the programme is e.g. Dave Fanning's recent interview with Commissioner McCreevy on copyright. Other members felt there is already a reasonable amount of coverage.
There was praise for Olivia O'Leary's pieces on Radio.
RTÉ's daily slot on The World Radio Network (www.wrn.org) was praised - the standard of programming is far superior to a lot of other world stations featured.
Think In for priorities for the future
Two items had been submitted for discussion under this heading viz (i) Visual Arts and (ii) a more structured approach to discussions on recent programming by identifying in advance particular programmes/strands to be viewed and discussed at the following meeting.
(i) Visual Arts
While it is agreed that RTÉ's coverage of the arts in general is done very well, there was concern expressed about its coverage of the visual arts (which includes theatre, painting, architecture, film making, sculpture). After some discussion, it was agreed that a separate meeting would be arranged with the appropriate RTÉ executives and concerned members of the Audience Council.
(ii) Structured discussion on recent programming
After some discussion the majority view was to maintain the status quo which is working well. However, it was also agreed to identify a couple of themes/topics and members would listen/watch out for their discussion in the course of the Radio and Television schedules. Additionally, the Council will be advised of any upcoming major programming.
The themes selected were Europe/European affairs and Diversity.
The Council requested an update on the Interculturalism policy statement which they had had a presentation on in 2007.
Date of Next Meeting
Thursday, 29th May 2008