Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I could not agree more. There are also benefits to come from having that public broadcasting remit. I listened intently to the weather forecast on the radio during the summer. Although it was such a straight, old fashioned approach it was the most crucial programme of the day and represented the most important and innovative programming because it related to my holiday and my time. There is a strange mix of obligations in public sector broadcasting which brings benefits and real advantages.

I believe there should be a public broadcaster, not a State broadcaster. This is a sensitive area where the powers of politics and media meet. I do not believe the broadcaster should be a direct extension of the State in its form and functions. It is appropriate for the public broadcaster to have a direct connection to the public through its own authority. However, it is also appropriate that it is regulated in the same way as other independent, commercial broadcasters which also should carry a clear public service remit. Commercial broadcasters have access to a spectrum which is now a real resource. In a sense, they have access to our public conversation and airwaves. This brings on them some of same obligations and opportunities that exist for the publicly funded broadcaster. For both categories, especially for the public broadcaster, the use, access, encouragement and development of an independent production sector is vital and correct for the quality of the conversation in the broadcasting world. An independent production sector provides the ability to bring in independent, creative, irreverent and critical talent which may not otherwise exist within permanent structures. This talent can also exist there but the permanent structures can complement those creative instincts and, ultimately, we are discussing a creative business and activity.

In terms of commercial and independent broadcasters, crucial issues arise regarding the diversity of voice and also ownership in terms of ensuring we do not get a limited range of views in our national public conversation, possibly by ownership restraints. Plurality of voices and opinions is healthy in the broadcasting future we want to help shape.

The current environment is a difficult one in that advertising revenues may not be what they were in recent years. However, it is of fundamental importance that in the public service remit all broadcasters have the staff, and people who work in this sector are properly paid. It is an attractive area to work in because people are dealing with interesting and creative issues but it can easily lead to a work environment where less favourable conditions than those that might be accepted elsewhere become the norm. That is not in the interests of any broadcaster in this State in the long term. It is not in the interests of us, as legislators and regulators, to see that happening in what is a crucial piece of the social infrastructure of our State.

To define the changing environment as we regulate and legislate in broadcasting, a further development is the arrival of a plethora of new technology that presents major opportunities for new forms of broadcasting. The development of the Internet and new digital platforms allows us to change from a broadcasting environment where one broadcaster broadcasts to many individuals to one where many broadcasters may broadcast to many different audiences. Such an environment is one we should embrace, encourage and regulate to ensure quality.

There is a fine line between Bruce Springsteen's depiction of broadcasting — "57 Channels (And Nothin' On)" — and the excitement of being able to reach a niche programme, be it on the web, a satellite or a digital cable platform, which is of real interest not to many but to a few who can get it. We must get that balance right. We must open up this country, and it is already opening up, as one where those new digital media and broadcasting formats are encouraged, promoted and become successful.

On the definitions, and all Bills start with definitions, what are the definitions and the qualities we want? In broadcasting we will always look for the broadcasters to search for the truth. That is a simple line but we, as politicians, have an inclination in that regard because we deal with slightly similar issues. On either side of the House, in the game of politics, one is often looking for a story with which one can get the other side, so to speak, or to see the line a particular Minister or party has taken and search out the facts in terms of what is happening. On most occasions it turns out to be a disappointment for the politicians because the reality is not what they might have originally believed, be it one of conspiracy, incompetence or another controversial story. It can be explained by a range of measures.

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