Renua licence fee plans would bury RTE – Nolan

Renua’s plan to abolish the TV licence would bury RTÉ and end public service broadcasting in Ireland, Labour TD for Galway West Derek Nolan has said.

“The license fee makes up the bulk of RTÉ’s funding. Renua’s plan to gut RTÉ by depriving it of almost €180m would devastate the media landscape in Ireland. We would lose a dedicated public service broadcaster with obligations to provide impartial and quality news and current affairs, home-grown programming and a uniquely Irish offering.

“We would lose not only quality radio and television, but the cultural diversity inherent in TG4, Lyric FM and the RTE orchestra. Not only that but Ireland’s film and music industries would be all but annihilated.

“Renua’s alternative embraces a media landscape based on a commercial rat-race subservient only to advertisers and the view of shareholders, whoever they may be. I do not believe that to be in the public interest. Ireland is a small country with a big cultural heritage.

“There is a public good in ensuring Irish programming and talent are nurtured, Irish news and current affairs are objective and independent, and that Irish culture is prevalent in Irish media.

“Renua’s license fee proposals fall perfectly in line with Lord Darlington’s definition of a cynic: They know they price of everything, and the value of nothing.”