Seanad debates
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage
5:00 pm
Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
It makes no sense that RTE was able to send so many people to Washington at great expense yet the Cork city marathon received minimal coverage on the 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock news. This was one of two major events in Ireland on bank holiday Monday.
I believe there is a reduction in terms of news coverage at the weekend. This is wrong. I welcome that 20% of broadcasting time must be devoted to the broadcast of news and current affairs. However, I believe we must take an in-depth look at how current affairs issues are covered. I welcome also the provision in regard to objectivity and fairness. I will not impugn anybody but some journalists take shortcuts in the presentation of news. I am happy they will now be required to be objective and impartial in this regard.
I am interested to hear the Minister of State's views in regard to the provision of satirical programming in regard to the presentation of politics.
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