Dr. Pauric Travers:

I fully agree with Deputy Colreavy that the public is more aware of the regulatory role of the BAI than of its significant role in the overall strategic development of this sector. In some respects that strategic area is particularly important. One of the tasks I and the incoming board will have is to ensure there is a wider understanding because we are at a significant point in the development of broadcasting, nationally and internationally. It is very important that we have a clear vision of that.

The BAI has a direct role in routinely reviewing the funding going to RTE, which it does annually. There have been significant reviews, including one fairly recent external review of the overall funding for public broadcasting out of which several recommendations emerged. The authority considered the report and made recommendations to the Government. RTE's revenue has been diminishing and it would like increased funding. It is the role of the BAI to advise the Minister on that. The previous authority took the attitude that it would support increased funding to RTE, even for its public service role, but only on specific conditions partly related to increased domestic programme production, but also as part of a strategy to begin to re-balance advertising revenue because RTE is competing for advertising with the commercial sector. If RTE is to get increased funding for its public service role it will, as a quidpro quo, begin to re-balance the limits on revenues that might come from advertising. The answer to the overall question is yes, the BAI has a very direct role in respect of the funding and direction of public service broadcasting.

It also has a role in advising the Minister on media monopolies and the Broadcasting Act 2009 refers to ownership. Arising from that, and particularly from the aspiration within the Act to ensure diversity and a range of voices, the BAI developed a code on media ownership. The most recent code was issued in 2012. After that code was adopted it had something to say about a particular situation that arose in one sector. The situation for ownership and mergers and so on has changed as a result of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 and the guidelines now issued under the Act. The guidelines and the Act contain a section about protection of the public interest. They also contain a provision that the Minister may ask for the view of the authority about any proposed acquisition or merger. I would expect if the situation arose the authority would advise on its view.

Finally, the authority intends to review its code on media ownership in light of more recent developments. This will be part of its 2015 work programme.