Menu
17/02/2011
Greens Want Ireland's TV Licence Scrapped
Television licensing in the Irish Republic could be in for a major change if the eco-friendly Green Party form part of the new Dáil.
They said this week they would change the television licence fee system if it again becomes part of the next government after this month's General Election.
That's according to Dublin South TD Eamon Ryan who said the licence fee was an outdated and ineffective method of funding for public sector broadcasting.
He said, the Internet had rendered it "close to obsolete, overly bureaucratised and ineffective".
"Good journalism, whether on the television, radio, in print or online costs money," the former Minister for Communications said.
"Equally, while subscription firewalls work for certain types of content, we should be careful not to dilute the freedom of information on the Internet," he continued.
As reported in the Irish Times this week, he said: "One approach to the financing of public sector broadcasting, including the possibility of other media, involves some small charge on the volume of data.
"This funding model would fund public service content and be much easier to charge and cheaper to operate than our current licence fee collection system," he said.
However, he noted that any move towards such a model would require consultation and the answer to the hanging question of how to fund newsrooms while maintaining absolute editorial independence?
(BMcC/GK)
They said this week they would change the television licence fee system if it again becomes part of the next government after this month's General Election.
That's according to Dublin South TD Eamon Ryan who said the licence fee was an outdated and ineffective method of funding for public sector broadcasting.
He said, the Internet had rendered it "close to obsolete, overly bureaucratised and ineffective".
"Good journalism, whether on the television, radio, in print or online costs money," the former Minister for Communications said.
"Equally, while subscription firewalls work for certain types of content, we should be careful not to dilute the freedom of information on the Internet," he continued.
As reported in the Irish Times this week, he said: "One approach to the financing of public sector broadcasting, including the possibility of other media, involves some small charge on the volume of data.
"This funding model would fund public service content and be much easier to charge and cheaper to operate than our current licence fee collection system," he said.
However, he noted that any move towards such a model would require consultation and the answer to the hanging question of how to fund newsrooms while maintaining absolute editorial independence?
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 November 2003
Cost of TV licence set to rise
The cost of a TV licence is set to rise by £5 from next April, the Government announced today. From 1 April 2004, a TV licence will now cost £121 while a black and white licence will go up from £38.50 to £40.50. Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell announced the changes today in a written statement to the House of Commons.
Cost of TV licence set to rise
The cost of a TV licence is set to rise by £5 from next April, the Government announced today. From 1 April 2004, a TV licence will now cost £121 while a black and white licence will go up from £38.50 to £40.50. Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell announced the changes today in a written statement to the House of Commons.
30 May 2003
Two applications made for local television licence in Derry
The Independent Television Commission have confirmed that they have received two applications for the licence to provide a local television service for Derry. The incumbent, Channel 9, run by North West Television Services Limited, have applied, but are facing competition from NTV Limited of Balliniska Road in the city.
Two applications made for local television licence in Derry
The Independent Television Commission have confirmed that they have received two applications for the licence to provide a local television service for Derry. The incumbent, Channel 9, run by North West Television Services Limited, have applied, but are facing competition from NTV Limited of Balliniska Road in the city.
26 March 2013
PSNI Issues Easter Message
The PSNI has issued a message to those planning to head out and celebrate over the Easter holidays. The message came from police in C District, which includes Newtownards, North Down, Down and Castlereagh.
PSNI Issues Easter Message
The PSNI has issued a message to those planning to head out and celebrate over the Easter holidays. The message came from police in C District, which includes Newtownards, North Down, Down and Castlereagh.
12 September 2012
Seven Charged With Sham Marriage Immigration Offences
Seven people including a solicitor and trainee solicitor are facing immigration charges relating to an alleged sham marriage at City Hall in August 2011. The alleged sham marriage groom was John Robert Nicholl, 55, from Sea Road in Castlerock, County Londonderry.
Seven Charged With Sham Marriage Immigration Offences
Seven people including a solicitor and trainee solicitor are facing immigration charges relating to an alleged sham marriage at City Hall in August 2011. The alleged sham marriage groom was John Robert Nicholl, 55, from Sea Road in Castlerock, County Londonderry.
05 February 2024
Executive Calls For Urgent Talks On Long-Term Funding Stability
The Executive has written to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for an urgent discussions on long-term funding stability to deliver public services.
Executive Calls For Urgent Talks On Long-Term Funding Stability
The Executive has written to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for an urgent discussions on long-term funding stability to deliver public services.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
