Sir, – Brian MacCraith and Gillian Doyle discuss alternatives to the outdated TV licence-fee funding model (“The licence fee model is broken. What should replace it?”, Opinion & Analysis, February 10th).
In considering and apparently rejecting the Future of Media Commission’s preference for a household charge model, the authors state that “Ireland currently lack suitable mechanisms to implement a household charge”.
This ignores the fact that Ireland has a very successful household charge model, known as the property tax. It would be a simple task for Comisiún na Meán to set an annual media charge and have it appended as a ring-fenced fund for public service media.
All that is lacking is political will.
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In relation to the argument that “opposition to water charges is still fresh in many memories”, it is worth noting that Scottish Water is funded through a ring-fenced supplementary charge to the property tax.
It can be done. – Yours, etc,
ADRIAN CONWAY,
Kilcloon,
Co Meath.
Sir, – It would seem Sinn Féin proposes to penalise me for adhering to the “law of the land” because I pay my bills, in this specific instance my TV licence (“Sinn Féin offers amnesty to licence fee non-payers as it pitches direct funding for RTÉ”, News, February 13th).
Be that as it may, the real danger with this latest “stroke” of populism is that in slighting the law abiding, Sinn Féin risks further inciting that small but very threatening element in our society that frequently shows disregard for law and order in our State. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL GANNON,
Kilkenny.
Sir, – Direct funding for the national broadcaster, as Sinn Féin proposes, can lead to potentially dangerous issues.
It gives into the hands of the government of the day untold powers to be in control of the media.
If they propose a directly funded broadcaster then this must have a very strong charter attached that guarantees independence.
We have seen from other countries what happens when governments are in charge of national broadcasters, so let’s not go down the same route.
At least with a notional licence fee the general public has a say and hopefully can prevent RTÉ from becoming a propaganda mouthpiece for whatever party is in power. – Yours, etc,
JOHN BERGIN,
Oxton,
Wirral, UK.
Sir, – Sinn Féin is proposing to finance public service media and broadcasting from the public purse.
It has described public service as RTÉ and others.
Does others include An Phoblacht? – Yours, etc,
TIM BRACKEN,
Cork.