Editorial: Decision to retain outdated and unpopular TV licence model is bizarre - Kilkenny Live

There remains a fair degree of bewilderment and disquiet following the announcement that not only is RTE to receive a defacto bailout to remedy its financial woes, but that the deeply-unpopular TV licence model is set to continue.

Minister Catherine Martin has confirmed that RTÉ will still be funded through a mixture of the €160 licence fee and direct annual Exchequer grants. An Post will also be given €6 million to improve its collection procedures.

After all the issues and questionable practices revealed in recent months, few could have expected the outcome to amount to the taxpayer stumping up hundreds of millions of euro for what is not entirely clear as yet.

From controversies around the money paid to certain individuals, to side deals and secret salaries, ‘barter accounts’, trips abroad to major sporting events, hotel stays, and even €5,000 for flip flops, it is all a bit hard to fathom.

A large portion of the public has lost confidence in the TV licence model and many believe they are not getting value for their money.
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The replacement of the licence system was advocated by the Future of Media Commission, the joint Oireachtas committee — and, perhaps most bizarrely — by Minister Martin herself.

NUJ Irish Secretary Séamus Dooley has acknowledged the principle of multi-annual funding but said its value was negated by the retention of the current licence system. He said the current financial crisis in RTÉ is to a great extent ‘the product of political cowardice on the part of successive governments in failing to reform the licence system’.
Will it ever be any different?

CAMOGIE CATS
Congratulations to the Kilkenny camogie intermediate team who downed Kerry at the weekend in the All-Ireland semi-final.
After the disappointment of the previous few weekends, it’s great to know that the black and amber will be flying in an All-Ireland final in Croke Park this summer.

Let’s get behind the team for their clash with Cork on Sunday, August 11. Cill Chainnigh Abú!