Local radio funding
Frankie Feighan called for ring-fenced support for local radio and journalism in future broadcasting funding plans. The Taoiseach said the Government was working on a sustainable model for public service broadcasting.
I raise the issue of funding for media and core funding for journalism schemes, which may not have any consideration, and funding for local radio, particular in the context of the public service broadcasting remit. Last month, local radio in my constituency provided absolutely exceptional coverage of the results of the local and European elections. I request that any future proposals on public service broadcasting should ensure substantial ring-fenced support for local radio to allow it to continue to deliver core news and current affairs programming.
Comment on this
We are currently considering how to sustainably fund public service broadcasting. That includes RTÉ, which does a good job on public service broadcasting. It is not the only outlet that does public service broadcasting. With the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, we are considering what a sustainable model of funding for public service broadcasting looks like. We expect to make a decision on that this month.