Mr. John Purcell:

I thank the committee for the invitation to talk on behalf of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland on the challenges facing us as a result of Covid-19. In doing so, I am here with a sense of pride as to the very positive contribution that has been made by Irish radio, both independent radio and our colleagues in RTÉ, during the months of dire emergency for society, our economy and our way of life. I am also coming in a spirit of positivity, seeking to highlight what has worked, what we have learned, what challenges remain and what we can do together to address future challenges facing our country in which media play a very important role in. Ultimately, we are all in this together.

I also want to speak of opportunities for the future and the power of our medium for positive change. However, I must warn the committee that, despite our success achieved in the pandemic thanks to the courage, hard work, flexibility and creativity of our teams, as well as the support of the State, our sector remains fragile and action is needed to ensure that public service broadcasting, and that which we provide, is sustained and nurtured into the future.

First, I will provide some context. We have been in here over many years speaking about the fundamental threats, caused by a range of sectors, which are on the horizon in relation to our broadcast media. Into this came Covd-19, which posed fundamental questions for our businesses, but, more importantly, for our society. The prospect of having to cease operations stared many chief executives of Irish radio stations in the face in the opening stages of the pandemic, and I have spoken on this before. However, I am glad to say the sector rose to the challenge and we have had what many consider to be radio's finest hour. This was made possible by our teams as well as the imaginative Government support in the form of the special Covid-19 sound and vision scheme, which on top of all the other supports ensured the survival of our stations and underpinned the continuation of local coverage that was accurate, relevant, reliable and trusted.

That fund was introduced quickly; it was practical and fit for purpose. It made a huge difference and it delivered value for money. We believe it was instrumental in ensuring we could continue to perform throughout the pandemic. Covid meant that the type of funding support for which we have argued for many years, where public money can be used for clearly defined purposes, was introduced in just months, where previously this would have seemed impossible. It showed that when a need is recognised and action is taken, then a big difference can be made. I circulated a document in advance which shows the listenership for Irish radio is in good shape.

However, Covid has not gone away, and as we speak, there are still many more twists and turns ahead and the fundamental problems and challenges for our business model remain. For ten years before the pandemic, independent radio and our business model, along with many of our colleagues across other media, have been under pressure. Our recovery has been fragile and is by no means assured into the long term.

Beyond sectoral challenges for the media, I do not need to tell members the most critical threat that we face will be climate change. This will perhaps be even greater than Covid, and it can only be reversed by concerted action by our citizens and our society. In this effective community, communication will be a critical element, and radio can play a huge part.

Last week, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, BAI, organised an event for the broadcasting sector. Dr. Dave Robbins, who is director of the centre for climate and society at Dublin City University, DCU, and who has studied the role of the media, highlighted the valuable role already played by local and independent radio. There is far more that can be done and he highlighted how radio can play a significant part because we are a powerful medium for change. We have shown the worth that we can return for investment through the Covid fund and we can do the same on climate change.

I urge members to use the good offices of this committee to help us work with the Minister and the Department to progress the establishment of a multi-annual fund geared towards the necessary public communication action required to combat the climate emergency.