SIPTU launched ‘Broadcasting the Future’, a discussion document aimed at sparking debate on the renewal of public service broadcasting at a seminar in Liberty Hall on 29th April, addressed by media academics, politicians and workers.
The document warns that Ireland is currently ‘sleepwalking into the destruction’ of its public media institutions. Through its more than 20 proposals, it seeks to initiate a debate involving workers, experts and progressive political parties to ensure that Irish media remains anchored as a public good rather than a mere profit-generating mechanism.
SIPTU Services Divisional Organiser, Adrian Kane, said: “This paper addresses the converging pressures of governance failures, the ‘bogus self-employment’ scandal and the structural decline of the traditional licence fee for public service broadcasting. It argues that public service broadcasting is a strategic national asset, not a legacy model to be downsized, and calls for a shift towards a more public-led institution.”
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Robbie Purfield, said: “The forces which wish to see the further downsizing and commercialisation of public service media in Ireland have so far had a near monopoly in what should be a crucial public debate on the future of these key Irish institutions.”
Among those who addressed the seminar were DCU Institute for Future Media Deputy Director, Dr Eileen Culloty; Technological University Dublin School of Media lecturer, Mark Sheils; and Labour Party Spokesperson on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Rob O’Donoghue TD.
SIPTU members in RTÉ are currently voting in a protective ballot to send a clear message to management that any further attempt to outsource core programme production or other roles will be met with firm opposition. The ballot follows deep concern among members over the direction of RTÉ’s restructuring plans and the potential impact on jobs, skills and the future of public service broadcasting. The ballot concludes on 29th May.
To read the full ‘Broadcasting the Future’ document, click here.