Screen Producers Ireland is disappointed with Government decision to reject Future of Media report recommendation on TV licence fee reform

Dublin, 12 July 2022: Screen Producers Ireland (SPI) welcomes the publication of the Future of Media Report, announced today by Government. In particular, SPI welcomes the recognition in the report of the symbiotic relationship between RTÉ and the independent sector, along with the stated intention of the report to increase statutory funding from RTÉ to the independent production sector to 25% public funding by 2027. If acted upon, this could result in a boost for independent production, create high quality content for Irish audiences, and the possibility of export potential.

However, SPI’s acute concern remains how any recommendations will be delivered without a clear plan of action to reform the TV licence fee. In the absence of direction on the TV licence fee, SPI are now calling for a clear plan for the delivery of interim funding to RTÉ, which will be critical for the survival of the sector.

Susan Kirby, CEO, Screen Producer Ireland said, “While the report supports a significant number of positive and sustainable measures for the sector, we are disappointed to see, yet again, the lack of tangible actions and clarity on RTÉ’s financial stability. If implemented, several recommendations included this report will greatly benefit the future of the AV sector in Ireland, however we have to ask the question will lack of clear action on reform of the TV license fee hinder the application of the reports wider recommendations.

Through its recommendation to increase investment in independent production, the Future of Media Commission has also recognised the key opportunity that investment has on IP rights. In reference to the increase spend to the IPU account, this should only happen if there is increase in public spending for RTÉ so that there is no decrease in spend in the independent sector.

It’s positive to see an increased investment into Irish independent production via the recommendations in the report. Screen Producers Ireland has been advocating for such investment since the first announcement that a Commission on Public Service Broadcasting was being established in December 2019. It’s clear that the Commission supports several measures we’ve been pushing for, including the introduction of a content levy into Ireland without delay. If enacted, this could be a game changer for many independent Irish producers. As a continuous voice for the independent production sector, SPI is pleased to be included in the report as a suggested member of The Stakeholder Consultative Group, a membership opportunity we do not take lightly. Recent campaign efforts across the industry have demonstrated what organisations can achieve via collaboration and decisive action.

SPI would like to thank Chairperson Brian MacCraith and the members of the Commission for their diligent work on this report. We hope that the recommendations in this report will be actioned in the short and medium term, and we look forward to engaging with The Commission to help drive the sector forward.”

ENDS

For more information and all media queries, go to:

Orlaith FitzGerald
Communications Executive, Screen Producers Ireland
087 262 3726
communications@screenproducersireland.com

About Screen Producers Ireland

Screen Producers Ireland (SPI) is the voice of independent producers in Ireland. SPI represents more than 160 Irish independent production companies who produce content for Irish broadcasters, funders and international audiences.

SPI’s aim is to ensure a working landscape that allows the industry to thrive. SPI uses its expertise and resources to forge a strong and sustainable position for creative entrepreneurs working in independent film, television, animation and digital production.

It is SPI’s responsibility to be an effective voice for the sector, to anticipate and address the needs of its members, to offer a platform to promote their work and to shape an independent production industry in line with the best international standards.