RTÉ Audience Council Communique
Thursday, 11th September 2008
Present: Alison McCullagh, Northern Ireland (Chairperson); Des Sheridan, Community and Voluntary Pillar (Vice-Chairperson); Paul M. Kinsella, Leinster; Lucilita Bhreatnach, Foras na Gaeilge; Eilis Boland, Northern Ireland; Patrick O’Leary, Equality Authority; Ian Malcolm, RTÉ Authority; Ruth Gallagher, Dublin; Mary Gallagher McBride, Connacht/Ulster; Eddie Sheehy, City and County Managers’ Association; Pádraig McGinn, Connaught/Ulster; Valerie Keegan, IBEC; Beverly Hanly, RTÉ, Secretary to Audience Council
Regrets: Sheena Walsh McMahon, Leinster; Stephanie O’Callaghan, Arts Council; Niall Madigan, IFA; Macdara Doyle, ICTU; Paul McDermott, Irish Sports Council;
RTÉ: Tom Quinn, RTÉ Group Secretary; Adrian Moynes Managing Director Radio
Secretary's Report
The Secretary updated the Council on corporate activities since the meeting in May and reported on the feedback received from the executive to points raised at that meeting. It was noted that two members of the Council and the Secretary had attended a meeting of the BBCNI Audience Council in June in an observer capacity. This had proved an informative and useful exercise.
Interculturalism Policy
Ms Bride Rosney, Director of Communications and Mr Rory Coveney, Senior Communications Manager, were in attendance for this item.
The Council were given a detailed presentation from Ms Rosney and Mr Coveney and an in depth discussion followed. 10 key recommendations had been identified by a Working Group established last Autumn and which reported back in July 2008. The Council reviewed each recommendation in detail. They were advised that it is important that each recommendation is achievable and so the timelines for implementation are short. The 2008 Corporate Responsibility Report, due to issue shortly, will contain further elaboration. The Council welcomed the 10 point action plan and there was a suggestion that it could form a template for other areas of diversity/discrimination.
Recent Programming
A request was made that discussions on subtitling 'as Gaeilge' of programming be commenced within RTÉ and involving other interested parties.
Whistleblowers came in for particular praise as did RTÉ's coverage of the Olympic Games with Timmy McCarthy's commentary on the Basketball being singled out. Members will be advised when the total amount raised by Failte Towers has been computed. The programme itself received mixed comments. RTÉ's coverage of the US Presidential Election is considered to be balanced overall. In response to comments about the absence of Radio presenters over the summer months, it was pointed out that this a contractual matter. It also gives other presenters an opportunity. RTÉ's coverage of environmental matters was praised. Coverage of the Lisbon Treaty Referendum was raised and reference was made to the recent report which indicated that most of those who voted NO did so because they did not understand the issues involved and perhaps there is a need to look at imparting information in a more creative way and the question was posed if RTÉ was satisfied with the way its public service mandate was fulfilled on this occasion. Pronunciation, particularly of placenames, was once again raised. While RTÉ does not any longer have one person with central responsibility for pronunciation on all broadcast news and programmes, local responsibility sits with editorial managers in Television, News and Radio. Particular problems are dealt with case by case and training is provided as necessary. Also, an online pronunciation guide has been developed recently.
Future composition of RTÉ Audience Council
Following the last meeting, some members had submitted their suggestions for the future composition of the Council which had been discussed by the RTÉ Authority at its meeting in July. A document comprising members' suggestions and the Authority's response to those suggestions had been circulated prior to today's meeting. Mr Quinn pointed out that the new legislation has not yet been enacted but it is his understanding that it will be going to the Oireachtas during September.
It was suggested that it might be useful if the three Audience Councils on the island of Ireland (RTÉ, BBCNI and TG4) were to meet annually and this suggestion will also be put to the BBCNI Audience Council at the Joint Meeting this afternoon.
The final Council meeting will take place in November in Limerick. It was agreed that a draft Final Report of the Council's work over the period 2004 to 2008 will be circulated in advance. It was felt this would be useful for the new Council so they would be aware of the issues which had been discussed.