Screen Producers Ireland calls on Government to address licence fee reform

Wednesday, 17 January 2023: Screen Producers Ireland (SPI) calls for Licence Fee reform to be a legislative priority for this Dáil term.

As the Oireachtas returns today, the independent sector urgently requires that, while RTÉ grapples with its internal reforms, Oireachtas members examines the underperforming TV Licence Fee and agrees sustainable funding to the national broadcaster.

In July 2022, the Government-appointed Future of Media Commission was clear in its deliberations and recommendations. It demonstrated that direct exchequer funding is the only way to ensure a consistent income for RTÉ. This would enable it to transform into a modern hybrid publisher-broadcaster that it has to become. With consistent multi-annual funding, which is possible through direct exchequer funding, RTÉ can implement critical reforms – including more programming from the independent production sector – and keep Irish audiences of all ages informed and enthralled by its programming.

Susan Kirby, CEO at Screen Producers Ireland said, “The time has come for the Oireachtas to properly debate how we as a nation value public service media and therefore fund RTÉ. SPI believe the sector needs sustainable multi-annual funding through direct exchequer funding. This a way of funding Public Service Media across the EU and in the UK. There are ways of ensuring the independence of the broadcaster as well as protecting the funding from inflation. At present, RTÉ is operating without a sustainable and solid financial underpinning, which puts potential reform plans at serious risk.

The time has come to decide on the funding future of RTÉ. The longer nothing happens, the more chance RTÉ will not rebound from the crisis of 2023. A decision must be agreed upon without delay so that any needed legislative changes can be passed before the end of the year.”

ENDS