Ms Mary Curtis:

I thank the Chair and the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media for the opportunity to meet to discuss my role and key priorities as chairperson designate of the BAI. I was very pleased to be appointed as chairperson designate by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, Deputy Catherine Martin, last October. Having been a member of the board of the BAI since 2017, I welcome the opportunity to continue to work with my fellow board members and the BAI executive in leading the organisation over the coming period.

Through my 25 years working in the Irish broadcasting industry, across both the public service and commercial sectors, I have gained understanding and knowledge of the Irish media sector and the challenges that lie therein. This has been further enhanced by my membership of the authority which, in recent years, has had a particular focus on legislative developments and the evolving media landscape in Ireland and the EU. These experiences have given me a understanding of the BAI, its strategic objectives and the environment in which it operates. All of this will assist me in my role.

The BAI is the independent regulator for broadcasting in Ireland and was established further to the Broadcasting Act 2009. The BAI has responsibility for a broad range of activities, including the licensing, regulation and support of independent and public service broadcast media. Under the broadcasting funding scheme, the BAI also provides funding for programmes and archiving relating to Irish culture, heritage, and experience.

My application for the role of chairperson was motivated by a desire to ensure continuity of leadership in guiding the strategic direction of the BAI at a time of huge change for the authority, and in line with the organisation’s strategy statement for 2021-2023. The previous chairperson of the BAI, Dr. Pauric Travers, completed his term of office in December 2020 having provided excellent leadership to the BAI. With a clear understanding of the BAI’s responsibilities in terms of complaints, the Sound and Vision scheme, media literacy, licensing, compliance, the Irish language, diversity and media plurality, broadcast compliance and enforcement, I will apply the knowledge and expertise I have gained through my time on the board and during my career to ensure the BAI continues to function effectively in line with the Broadcasting Act 2009, while also focusing on the transition of the authority into the new media commission, as provided for under the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022. In a context where the regulation of the media environment is evolving at a rapid pace, my knowledge and experience of the policy and legislative requirements will allow me to embark on the role without the necessity for a bedding-in period. In addition, my familiarity with my fellow board members and the executive is already well established.

While all change management projects have unique features, they also have many in common. Having led new projects, such as the digital television switchover in RTÉ and the establishment of UTV Ireland, I will bring with me the project management skills and understanding necessary to support the BAI through its transition into the media commission. As chair, I will also apply high standards of corporate governance in line with the code of practice for the governance of State bodies. As the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill progresses through the Oireachtas and we await the report of the Future of Media Commission, the BAI is preparing for significant changes in media regulation and its own organisational structures, along with the opportunities and challenges that this will bring.

Steady and strategic stewardship of the BAI is required over the coming months and years. It is my intention that the board and I will work closely and collaboratively with the newly appointed CEO of the BAI, Ms Craig. Ms Craig leads an experienced, committed team of professionals dedicated to public service. I am also grateful to have colleagues on the board who have consistently given generously of their expertise and demonstrated their commitment to the BAI.

I especially welcome the Bill’s proposal for the functions and staff of the BAI to be transferred to the new media commission. This approach will ensure the BAI brings its significant knowledge and regulatory expertise gained in regulation to date in contributing to the future work of the commission. In reporting to the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, I also look forward to close collaboration with her and her officials in the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media. I anticipate that this will be a necessity over the coming months.

I again thank the committee for the opportunity to discuss my role and key priorities as chairperson and look forward to answering any questions that members may have.