Ireland: in search of reform for public service media funding

Public Service Media (PSM) has a long-tradition in the Republic of Ireland (Ireland), dating back to the commencement of the state radio service 2RN in January 1926. The state’s involvement in broadcasting later gave way to the main public broadcaster RTÉ, which has broadcast simultaneously on television and radio since New Year’s Eve 1961, and latterly, delivered public service content online. RTÉ is funded both by a television licence fee and through its commercial activities, and as such its services carry advertising. A second PSM organization, the Irish language broadcaster TG4 completes the country’s public service provision, with all other indigenous television channels and radio stations being provided by the market. This chapter discusses PSM in Ireland in the context of the recent financial crisis and major demographic changes. It considers some of the factors impacting PSM in Ireland that are similar to those in other mature media systems in Europe, such as declining funding streams and debates over PSM funding reform. As such the chapter addresses initial government support for the introduction of a German-style household media fee, a Public Service Broadcasting Charge. While the charge was intended for introduction in 2015, it was later ruled out by the Irish Government in 2016.