In a statement issued by Screen Ireland, the national development agency for film, television and animation has outlined that “transformational change” is required by “RTÉ and broadcasters all over the world” to combat the “unprecedented challenges” facing public service media.
The statement comes following RTÉ’s recently announced strategy to address its financial difficulties and to refocus the organisation in an effort to take on the changing media landscape.
Read IFTN’s round-up of RTÉ’s recently announced plans for widespread cuts as part of a major restructure for the broadcaster.
“There has been a lot of discussion around public service broadcasting in recent days. We believe that independent, well-resourced and balanced public service broadcasting is fundamental to a democratic society.
“As the national development agency for film, television and animation, Screen Ireland strongly supports the role of Irish public service media in promoting cultural diversity and Irish storytelling on screen that is accessible ‘free-to-air’ to audiences across Ireland.
“The unprecedented challenges facing RTÉ and broadcasters all over the world, as younger audiences, in particular, are changing how they consume media, requires transformational change. Ireland has the creative talent, the literary heritage and the international credibility to create stories that engage audiences worldwide.
“Our public service broadcaster needs to be empowered to play a key role in developing Irish stories on screen and supporting the independent creative community across Ireland.”