Sir, - I write with regard to the Government's extraordinary announcement of a 14.50 increase in the television licence fee.
Broadcasting around the world is changing at an enormous pace. Technology enables a greater choice of channels and with that a greater variety of product. As a consequence, however, the nature of programming is changing. TV stations driven by solely commercial factors want low-cost television that appeals at the most basic level. It is therefore crucially important that an output of engaging, stimulating and quality programming be not just continued but strengthened, to allow a balanced diet for today's audience.
RT╔ is clearly not without its problems. Any institution faced with such a rapidly changing environment as broadcasting is could not avoid them. But with the proper support these problems can be solved. Equally, the internal difficulties of the broadcaster should not be confused with the people's requirement for programmes that provide a public service.
The Irish audience is an educated and intelligent one. Because of the Government's decision, the possibility of a continued supply of public service programming can only diminish. Surely this can only be a bad thing. The Government should be helping to solve the problems and not creating additional ones at the expense of what is one of the most informed and educated audiences in the world.
As a producer of programmes such as Amongst Women, A Love Divided and Beckett on Film, I can safely assure the Government that drama like this will not be viable for an Irish audience in the future unless this ridiculous decision is changed and a realistic increase is put in place. - Yours, etc.,
Alan Moloney, Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2.