Dermot Ahern Publishes RTE Charter

Dublin, Wednesday, 2^nd June, 2004

The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Dermot Ahern TD, today published the Public Service Broadcasting Charter for RTÉ.

The Charter outlines the obligations placed on RTÉ by national and EU legislation and sets out what RTÉ commits to in terms of provision of services and accountability. The purpose of the Charter is to provide for the public what is expected of RTE in return for the public funds provided to RTE from the proceeds of the television licence fee. The licence fee currently is €152 annually.

The Charter includes RTEs public service remit, regional emphasis, social inclusion, accountability and provision of services. For instance, it states that RTE should reflect the lives and concerns of all social strata in Ireland and its news reporting and public affairs coverage should be undertaken from a variety of perspectives and not just from a Dublin viewpoint.

In terms of accountability, the Charter states RTE should publish in advance broad frameworks for its schedule with commitments for individual channels and report on its performance against targets set. The Charter also charges that RTE should safeguard its editorial independence through an effective Code of Ethics to ensure no conflict of interests on the part of its employees and contractors.

Minister Ahern brought the Charter to the attention of Government in May following a broad public consultation process. Among those making submissions were the main players in broadcasting in Ireland, including, TV3, Screen Producers Ireland, Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, RTÉ Trade Union Group, as well as other bodies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs, Dóchas, Family and Media Association, Irish Hard of Hearing Association, the National Adult Literacy Agency and the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturism. Submissions were also received from interested members of the public. The submissions are available on the Department website.

Minister Ahern said: This is an historic occasion in broadcasting as it is the first time that a comprehensive mandate for RTE has been set down in a manner which outlines its important role in Irish society. I am very happy as Minister to be able to introduce this key reform of Irish broadcasting. Further reforms, which will deal with the broadcasting regulatory framework and corporate structure of RTE, will be brought forward later this year 

I believe this Charter outlines to the public in broad terms what they can expect from RTE in return for the payments they make annually to the national broadcaster.  RTE in return, through its Statement of Commitments and Annual Report, can detail how that public funding is being used.

I intend keeping the Charter under review so that it continues to reflect change in the nature of Irish society along with changes in the broadcasting environment. A formal review of the charter will be carried out in five years.

The Charter is available at http://www.dcmnr.gov.ie/display.asp/pg=1574 

ENDS

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