Sir, – One useful outcome of the RTÉ debacle might be some serious questioning of whether the State needs to be involved in the operation of a broadcasting organisation.
Do our public representatives, burdened with so many serious issues, need to be stressed about how much a chirpy presenter was paid, how a sports journalist got a free car, or what footwear was bought for a party? In the context of a private organisation, these matters would be determined primarily by commercial considerations.
There is no reason why a commercial organisation could not provide “public service broadcasting” on a par with RTÉ. More than two-thirds of the RTÉ2 schedule yesterday (September 15th) featured repeats, a typical offering, and none of the remaining items, aside from news and possibly, some children’s programmes appear to have been home produced. Whether a largely pop music radio station constitutes public service broadcasting also seems open to question. – Yours, etc,
DENIS CONLAN,
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Celbridge,
Co Kildare.
Sir, – It’s been widely suggested in recent days that part of the solution to RTÉ's financial woes could be to sell the Montrose campus.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has cautioned that a once-off land sale would not create the financial stability that RTÉ now needs (News, September 15th).
In the past various governments have been quick to sell off parts of the family silver only to regret it later. Examples include the closure of the Harcourt Street railway line and the sale of the telecommunications network.
As an alternative to a sell-off perhaps consideration should be given to developing a broadcasting and digital hub at Montrose, effectively a centre of excellence for all things broadcasting and digital. The hub could be managed independently with the current and expanded facilities being made available on a charge-out basis to RTÉ, other home and international broadcasting companies, independent production companies and the commercial advertising sector.
The centre could also incorporate an educational facility with the opportunity afforded to students in all aspects of the media to gain “hands on” experience within the campus. An additional revenue stream could be generated with the development of a visitor centre.
These are just some of many activities that could be developed at the site.
Such a centre would not only protect the current 1,800 jobs but the likelihood is it would become a major job creation hub. – Yours, etc,
GERRY CROSBIE,
Ballsbridge,
Dublin 4.
Sir, – Am I naive in thinking that those people who are not paying their TV licence will not be watching the excellent coverage of the Rugby World Cup by RTÉ? – Is mise,
MARION SHEEHY,
Kilkee,
Co Clare.