Cabinet approval has been given for radical legislation to bring Irish television into the digital age.
The statute, which will have major implications for broadcasting in Ireland, allows for the creation of up to 30 terrestrial digital channels and a range of telecommunication services, including data broadcasting and high speed Internet services.
RTE will be able to provide up to three more channels and there will be additional services as well for Teilifis na Gaeilge and the new independent TV3 channel.
The legislation also includes power to establish Teilifis na Gaeilge on an independent basis, and a significant proposal changes the requirement on RTE to provide 20 per cent of its programme budget for independent productions to a flat figure of £16 million. The legislation will be drafted next month and published in the autumn.
RTE declared itself delighted with the proposals, especially because they represent "in substantial measure" what the station submitted to the Minister last Autumn. In a statement, RTE also said the change in the independent production budget struck a balance between RTE's concerns and the interests of independent film-makers.
Film Makers Ireland, which represents independent television production companies, welcomed the "small increase" in funding for 1999, but was "disappointed that the Minister has returned to a fixed figure". Mr James Hickey, its broadcasting subcommittee chairman, said they would be seeking an urgent meeting with the Minister to discuss the long-term implications of the changes.
The proposals were announced in Dublin yesterday by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Ms de Valera, who said that digitalised broadcasting "will give the consumer far greater choice and will give RTE, TnaG and TV3 an opportunity to expand".
Ms de Valera said RTE would have a 40 per cent share in a new company with a "strategic partner" to develop the infrastructure and manage the franchises for digital transmission. E and four Government departments.
A new regulator will be set up to incorporate the existing functions of the Independent Radio and Television Commission, to determine standards and deal with complaints.
Main Points
Creation of up to 30 television channels, including three extra for RTE, and additional services for TnaG and TV3 as well.
40 per cent share for RTE in new company with "strategic partner" to develop and manage infrastructure.
New regulatory body subsuming current functions of IRTC - to monitor standards and deal with complaints.
Abolishes 3 per cent levy on local radio and creates £500,000 fund to assist local radio transmission costs.
Gives Minister power to establish TnaG as independent "separate entity".
