Public service broadcasting that reflects and underpins cultural heritage, generates incisive public debate and holds up a mirror to the complex and sometimes divisive forces that bring about change, is an important element in any democratic society. But it gets short shrift in media debates conducted in terms of competition, profitability and market forces.
Thankfully, a recent report by the Irish Forum on Broadcasting recognised the importance of the public service role filled by RTE and urged that it be accorded security of funding and freedom from political interference or influence. The recommendation is particularly relevant in view of the financial difficulties in which RTE finds itself, following a succession of penny-pinching and obstructive decisions by the last government. Fianna Fail has never been very happy with the notion of RTE independence. The antagonistic behaviour of former minister, Mr Ray Burke, towards the station in the late 1980s may have had as much to do with a political agenda as self-enrichment.
Old agendas die hard. Two years ago, the station applied for a £50 licence fee increase. It was the first such application in five years but, following an eight-month wait, it was allowed less than 30 per cent of its request. Rather than grant the full fee increase, the then minister told RTE to use its cash reserves from the sale of Cablelink to fund part of its running costs.
Yesterday, the chairman of the RTE Authority, Mr Paddy Wright, told an Oireachtas committee at Leinster House there was a "financial crisis" facing the station because of the licence fee situation and lower advertising revenues.
Along with the director general of RTE, Mr Bob Collins, he outlined the financial reforms and restructuring undertaken to make the station more productive, accountable and cost-effective. A voluntary redundancy programme would remove 480 members of staff by the end of next month; programme-making was dramatically different; and its eight national radio and television channels were more competitive. RTE now had financial systems in place which were transparent and accessible.
Mr Collins endorsed the reforms of the Forum report and said RTE should be editorially and organisationally independent. He recognised there were gaps in programming. The Director General identified drama, documentaries, educational and children's programmes, news and current affairs and a deficit in regional coverage as priority areas for development once resources became available.
An application for a licence fee increase is currently with the Government, and a Cabinet sub-committee that includes the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste is considering its merits. The public interest demands that RTE should be treated fairly and that its important contribution to the health of our society should be recognised.