Madam, - Congratulations to Mary Raftery on her excellent column of September 1st on Eddie Hobbs's TV show Rip-Off Republic.
The purpose of this letter to you is not to enter into this debate but, as a former member of the RTÉ Authority, to draw attention to the central point of your columnist's article.
Why is a public service broadcaster funded by taxation by way of the licence fee providing a person with a clear political agenda with an unchallenged platform to present his views? What has happened to the obligations on RTÉ to provide balance?
Your columnist was quite right to point out that public service broadcasters have a duty of care to ensure that what they transmit is fair and balanced.
I also find it extraordinary that Mr Hobbs was allowed to be so selective in the targets that he chose to attack.
No one would deny that there are issues to be debated about the high cost of living in Celtic Tiger Ireland. However, they require to be treated in a serious and balanced way and certainly not in the most personal, offensive and selective way as was done on this show.
The national broadcaster has a long history of dealing with sensitive and important issues, particularly with regard to Northern Ireland, by presenting them in a very clear, balanced and professional manner, and as a result the station enjoys a very special position in Irish society.
There is, I regret to say, a trend emerging within RTÉ that what really counts is audience figures rather than balanced and serious debate and I for one do not believe that this is what public service broadcasting is about. They should leave this to the Murdoch media empire.
Finally, let me say, as one who was always ready to defend RTÉ, I will be less inclined to do so in the future if this trend continues. - Yours, etc,
WILLIAM A ATTLEY,
(Former member of the
RTÉ Authority),
Beechwood Lawns,
Rathcoole,
Co Dublin.