Seanad debates

Tuesday, 11 November 2003

Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003: Committee Stage.

 

I would like us to examine this matter from the point of view of the national interest, however. As a citizen of a Republic that considers freedom of expression to be a key value, I want broadcasters to offer us investigative documentaries on a regular basis. If one asks ordinary citizens about this matter, one will discover that most people consider that public service broadcasters have a basic responsibility to take the risks involved in researching and producing investigative documentaries. As I have said, however, the everyday economics of broadcasting do not facilitate such productions. It is for that reason that I suggest that this type of programming should be on the list of eligible programmes in schemes such as those outlined in the Bill.

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