O’Sullivan says RTE restructuring plan and decision to close Limerick studio must be fought

Limerick Labour T.D Jan O’Sullivan says RTE’s decision to close its Limerick studio and move Lyric FM to Dublin and Cork must be resisted.

The Limerick T.D said:

“We have to come together and fight this, RTE is a national public service broadcaster and not a Dublin public service broadcaster. The NUJ are meeting today and we need to fight back and keep the Limerick office and Lyric FM open.”

“Lyric FM is part of the cultural fabric of Limerick and I cannot see how a once off windfall from closing the studio will generate enough money to cover the organizations financial difficulties.

“Fine Gael’s dither and delay on license fee reform has also significantly contributed to this decision as the uncertainty caused by Minister Bruton and his predecessor has led the broadcaster to arrive at this juncture.”

“In the last week we have heard plenty of warms words from Fine Gael representatives in relation to Lyric FM but if they are serious about RTÉ maintaining a meaningful presence in Limerick then they need to make Minister Bruton take action now..

“RTE’s studios outside Dublin such as Limerick are essential for balanced regional development, and as the national broadcaster and not just a Dublin 4 broadcaster, RTE has a duty to represent all of us and this closure sends out the wrong message.

“Most state broadcasters such as the BBC have significant regional hubs outside of the capital city to give variety their output and the decision by RTE to scale back their operation to Dublin is wrong.

“Cuts alone will not restore the viability of the broadcaster and the Minister for Communications needs to seriously look at the funding model for public service broadcasting in Ireland.”