TV Licence Reform Announced

The government has announced details of an overhaul plan for the TV licence fee.

A reviewed levy would be placed on independent broadcasters such as local radio stations, while the method of collecting household fees is also set to change.

The process will go out to tender later this year, but the option to purchase at post offices will remain, regardless of who gets the contract.

Announced by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton T.D., a five year contract would be put in place to allow the successful bidder to invest in the system of collection.

The licence fee will be replaced by a device independent broadcasting charge at the end of the period, which takes account of technological change and will enable the sustainable funding of public service content in the longer term. It is estimated that 10% of homes access content on alternative devices which do not require a television licence.

Minister Bruton said the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2019 comes amid a period of transformation and new challenges for public service broadcasting.

He commented: "Audiences are transitioning away from traditional platforms and are increasingly accessing content online through digital mediums. 

"This Bill will enable the broadcasting levy to be reduced for all broadcasters and for some community broadcasters to be exempted entirely. It allows for the creation of a new funding scheme that would allow the granting of bursaries to journalists in local or community radio stations. We must support our local community radio stations and independent broadcasters." 

Minister Bruton also addressed the 12% evasion of TV licence payments. He believes the five year contract will allow the awarded body a chance to invest in a robust collection service.

He added: "It is also clear that due to the nature of technological change and the movement towards digital devices, the design of the T.V. licence fee will have to change. This is a fundamental reform that will take time to develop, but it will future proof the funding model, taking account of changes in technology and in how content is now consumed."

The current provision of free TV licences to those in receipt of the Household Benefits Package will continue.

Finally, Minister Bruton is today also announcing a review of the Broadcasting Act, to evaluate the proportion of the T.V. licence revenue which is allocated to the Sound and Vision Scheme which supports the independent sector and native Irish content. The review will also consider the minimum amount of funding that RTE is obliged to spend on commissioning external content. In 2018 this amounted to €39.7m. Increasing this amount would provide an important stimulus to the independent production sector. 



(JG/CM)