Plans by Fianna Fáil to change the face of Irish broadcasting include an independent television service.
The model of broadcasting in Ireland, similar to the model across Europe, is based on programming and public service. In the United States broadcasting is largely based on free enterprise and profit. broadcasting in Ireland and across public sector broadcasters in Europe is under the shadow of radical change.
We have a state-owned and regulated broadcasting monopoly and at least in law run by a company that believes in public service broadcasting.
Over the past few years, there has been a focus on changing radio in Ireland with the challenge of the illegal broadcasters in the form of pirate radio stations. The emergence of the pirates showed that listeners were looking for choice which they were not getting from RTÉ.
Six months ago, Minister for Communications Ray Burke unveiled his legislative plans for broadcasting mainly focusing on radio. At that stage, he was still examining the future of television. At the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis in March, Ray Burke announced that the government had decided to proceed with the establishment of a third television channel. The new channel will be independent and provide competition to RTÉ.
The new television service will be commercial and will be independent of RTÉ.
Yesterday, Ray Burke announced he intended to amend his proposals and to set up an independent broadcasting commission. The new television channel would be regulated by the new commission. The overall objective is to present viewers with more choice by injecting private competition into the industry and putting an end to the state owned monopoly.
The policy for radio centres on the establishment of a new national service along with a range of local and regional stations. This will provide competition for RTÉ's national stations. The policy in television is to allow for the establishment of a third channel as well as a new distribution system known as multipoint microwave distribution system (MMDS).
Joe Mullholland, Controller of Television Productions at RTÉ, joins John Bowman to discuss what impact the new policy changes will have on the future of television in Ireland.
It means we are going to face increasing competition both in radio and in television.
Joe Mullholland says that this is a new situation for Irish broadcasting but it remains to be seen what type of channel the new Irish station will be. It is clear that there is going to be an increasing battle for audience and advertising revenue. RTÉ is determined to compete through change with a focus on the survival of public service broadcasting.
We must make sure that national broadcasting, public service broadcasting, does survive in this country.
This episode of 'Today Tonight' was broadcast on 24 May 1988. The presenter is John Bowman.
