The body representing the independent television production sector has called for reform of the TV licence fee system and for the Revenue Commissioners to be appointed collection agent.
Screen Producers Ireland is launching a video campaign and holding a briefing session for Oireachtas members, which highlights the fact that it is not just RTÉ that benefits from the licence fee and that some of the country's most watched programmes, including Dancing with the Stars and Room to Improve, are made by the independent sector.
SPI Chief Executive Officer Elaine Geraghty said it is a critical time for the Irish independent productions sector and that substantial reform is needed.
She said RTÉ spending on independent production has dropped from approximately €80m to €40m over the past ten years, putting enormous pressure on companies to provide quality programming.
The group called for the licence fee to be reformed, for Revenue to be appointed as the collection agent and said the increased revenue should be spent on independent productions.
