Seanad debates
Tuesday, 11 November 2003
Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003: Committee Stage.
As Senator Finucane pointed out, we have been lobbied by some groups of which I am sure the Minister is aware, including Dublin Community Television and Community Media Network Ireland. They made the point that there is a need for start up funding or operating costs so that producers of community media can get up and running and continue to operate. It would also be an important recognition of the separate function of community media. At a time of globalisation and growing concern about its effects, particularly in the media, it would be a small step forward in protecting the notion of community which we have always held dear and to which we have, to some extent, paid lip-service, particularly in recent times. This is an opportunity to move beyond that and to reflect it in the legislation.
No comments