Hogan calls for TV licence to be scrapped

Independent Councillor Paul Hogan has called for Ireland to join the ever-increasing number of European countries that have scrapped the licence fee for public broadcasting. He also called for the national broadcaster and all other services currently funded by the TV licence to be funded under general taxation.

Cllr. Hogan said: “After nearly a month of controversies in RTÉ, it is very timely to consider an alternative approach to funding the national broadcaster and associated services.

“It is notable that since the controversy, TV licence renewals have fallen by 27 per cent for the first week in July as the controversy around payments in RTÉ emerged. This represents some 3,428 fewer households renewed their TV licence this month compared to the same time last year. This culminates in a loss of nearly €1 million in revenue.

“It is expected that many more households will not renew their TV licence after the controversy. RTÉ have also stated that the loss associated with those who consistently refuse to pay the licence, or forgot to pay, amounts to 15.2 per cent with estimated losses of €65 million.

“There is an ever-increasing number of European countries that have abolished the public broadcasting licence fee including Denmark, The Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Bulgaria, Hungary, Cyprus, Malta and Belgium. In addition, there is no licence fee in Spain, Luxembourg, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Lichtenstein, Ukraine and Monaco. Britain has decided the abolish the TV licence from 2027 onwards.

“RTÉ currently operates a public-private funding model with 55% of its income, €200m per annum, paid for by the licence fee. The remaining 45% is generated through commercial revenues.

“A fairer system is possible. The days of threatening people with fines and imprisonment for non-payment while payment controversies shroud RTÉ must be a thing of the past. It is long overdue that a debate be held on a new model of funding and supporting the national broadcaster and all other associated services. A major investment is also needed to fund newly produced Irish content for viewers, listeners and users. At this early stage, my preference is that these national services be funded from general taxation,” concluded Cllr Hogan.