The BAI has today launched a public consultation for its draft strategy statement for 2014-16, with a new website ‘BAI Future’ inviting members of the public to have their say in its direction for the next three years.
The new website - which is now live and can be accessed here - outlines the BAI’s future objectives and the manner in which it wants to engage with the public and with the broadcasting sector.
Speaking at the launch, BAI Chairperson Bob Collins spoke of the rise in the level of external (non-Irish) TV content which is now available to viewers and the significant changes in the way people access that content.
‘Changes in new media and technologies have challenging implications for broadcasters and for the BAI as a broadcasting regulator. At a time when questions are being raised about what constitutes a viewer or listener and how broadcasting fits into a new media landscape it means that the BAI must position itself to regulate effectively in a new media environment, keeping a core focus on audience to guide its work,’ Mr Collins said.
Section 29 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 requires the BAI to produce a statement of strategy every three years, reflecting the statutory functions of the Authority, the Contract Awards Committee and the Compliance Committee.
Also present at the launch, Damian Loscher, Managing Director of the research company Ipsos MRBI, explained that despite the changes in how we consume content, traditional methods of accessing broadcasting still remain strong.
‘How we consume TV and radio is changing, but not at the frantic pace we have been led to believe. By and large, we remain creatures of habit in terms of where, when and what we watch and listen to,’ he added.
Mr Collins also highlighted what has been achieved by the BAI since its inception in 2009, emphasising the importance of building on the organisation’s previous statement of strategy.
‘The BAI must ensure that the fundamental interests and entitlements of the viewers and listeners are protected at all times. Working with broadcasters, we must also ensure that broadcasting properly reflects the nature and composition of our society and that the voices of those who are currently often under-represented, including women, are heard.
‘The BAI must track and keep pace with change and position ourselves to be capable of maintaining our role as a guarantor of a diverse and vibrant broadcasting sector, whatever form that may take over the coming years,’ he added.
During the public consultation period, anyone wishing to make a submission on the draft statement can do so through the BAI future website; by email to info@bai.ie; or by post to: Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, 2-5 Warrington Place, Dublin 2.
The BAI’s draft strategy statement is available to view at: www.baifuture.ie
