Seanad debates
Tuesday, 4 November 2003
Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003: Second Stage.
I am not saying we should cut off the American experience. It represents the dominant culture in the world and it would be wrong of us to totally cut off from that and not allow our children to experience it. However, to have that as the only experience is a difficulty. There is also a need to encourage diversity. The greatest diversity one can find is at local and community level. The reflection of community in television would be a very powerful statement. I am not saying that could happen in all parts of the country. However, there is a critical mass audience for community broadcasting, in Dublin at least and in some of our larger cities. That would require infrastructure along with a commitment to invest. It is a pity the Bill does not go far enough towards creating that environment and allowing it to happen, and it is important that is addressed.
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