Sir, – Your editorial on the future status of RTÉ omits three crucial words, which should be at the core of this discussion: public service broadcasting (“The Irish Times view on the future of RTÉ: key decisions remain to be taken”, May 8th). Two factors diminish the public service of the media: commercialism and control. RTÉ has suffered, since its inception, from the need to break even financially. In an increasingly competitive media environment, this has exponentially diminished RTÉ's capacity for independent, unbiased reporting of news and current affairs. Conversely, it has increased its dependence on market strategies like the barter account and on personality-based product. In a context in which politicians, of necessity, both court and fear the media, funding of broadcasting will always be divisive. The long arm of Sean Lemass, who saw RTÉ as “an instrument of public policy, responsible to government”, still reaches into this debate. Those of us who worked in the public affairs areas of RTÉ as much as 25 years ago are not surprised by the recent debacle. We saw it coming, because RTÉ was obliged to compete for audience with broadcasters who did not share the same responsibilities. Due diligence and the culture of corporate governance should be implicit in the concept of pubic service broadcasting, the aim of which should be the transmission of cost-effective programmes of excellence. The public deserves no less. – Yours, etc,
RICHARD PINE,
Corfu,
Greece.
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Sir, – Further to “RTÉ controversies: Broadcaster ‘lost’ records relating to three years’ transactions in barter account, says report” (News, May 7th).
Why should the board of RTÉ undertake “rigorous enquiries” in the event of the leaking of confidential information and have “zero tolerance” of leaks?
The RTÉ omnishambles was facilitated by stealth, secrecy and non-disclosure.
Leaks will keep the new regime on its toes. – Yours, etc,
Dr JOHN DOHERTY,
Gaoth Dobhair,
Co Dhún na nGall.
