Dee Forbes banging the RTE TV licence drum again 60m uncollected fee poll not working - pl ignore

02-01-2022 12:40PM

TV licence fee? The fee for possessing something you don't possess should be added to the monthly cost of receiving another unrelated service? That doesn't make any sense whatsoever.

Public Broadcasting fee? How about putting the Government and RTE on the backfoot and forcing them to make a convincing argument that public broadcasting as is or will be delivered is to the benefit of Society.

garrettod · 02-01-2022 01:37PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118403231#Comment_118403231

Nothing will ever happen with that attitude, that's for sure... People need to demand change.

Pa ElGrande · 02-01-2022 05:23PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118404741#Comment_118404741

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118404957#Comment_118404957

The problem "they" get to define what public service broadcasting is, you don't. The term public service broadcasting does not make much sense any more.

At their core broadcast services are linear media content providers and their terms of service are built around the limits of the technology available at the time they started decades ago, the economics of that model relied on a captive audience since they were the only permitted providers which access to content libraries and broadcast frequency bandwidth is regulated. The technology at the time did not allow encryption, to solve the free rider problem they roped everyone in with an annual tax called a licence fee., initially for radio they extended it to television. Since radios became cheap, portable and widely available it was no longer feasible to collect radio licences (I think Germany still does).

The internet as a broadcast medium and other technological developments have changed the economics of providing content, such that anyone with a smart phone and good presentation skills can setup their own channel for very small investment overhead, you will notice compared to when they started a decade ago many internet content providers have upped their audio and video quality. The costs of production have come way down, the problem is the likes of RTE and Virgin media terms of service signed with the broadcast regulators restrict the parameters of what they can do and don't allow for innovation, these broadcasters are stuck showing stale content that lacks novelty and they stagnate.

For me an aspect public service content providers means being able to request content on demand on the topic I'm interested. You can certainly pique my interest on a subject like basket weaving if I have time to do so I might watch it, however if I'm not interested I'm not going to sit there passively just because that's the only thing on for the next 30 minutes. Thinking about it, the invention of the remote control started the phenomenon of channel surfing decades ago. In today's world the distinguishing factor is our access to information and entertainment. For example specialist content providers like farmers journal can command a loyal subscription base, because the farmers can put a value on knowing the prices of their inputs and end products. Sports channels can also command a premium for people interested in that subject.

Then you come to crap drama series like "fair city", apologies in advance maybe it's gotten better since I stopped watching, I have my doubts. How do you price that? The whole rationale for soap operas is commercial advertising to a captive female audience. How doe sit fall within the remit of public service broadcasting, It is meant to be a money spinner, isn't it? Maybe the commercial revenue from fair city allows them to fund other less commercial content.

Anyway, We need to switch away from using the term public service broadcasting and move to the term public service content provider. A 21st century RTE would act as a host library and allow anyone to provide their content to their fellow citizens.

rolling boh · 02-01-2022 05:32PM

I would think a lot of RTE ardent watchers get the free licence so it will be left to rest of us to foot the bill for the tripe they dish up .

Hotblack Desiato · 07-01-2022 04:49PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118406140#Comment_118406140

Even among that demographic, I'm not sure RTE has all that many "ardent watchers" any more. I can't imagine OAPs having much time for the endless reality TV crap.

For my demographic, there is simply nothing at all

Archeron · 07-01-2022 07:53PM

I used to regard Rte as a quaint little thing, an Oirish TV station that existed in a space somewhere between misery and mundanity but that served a purpose for those who were fans and that it was an important thing for them, so I thought OK, that's worth paying for, people I know like it so there's that.

Over the last two years, their behavior during the pandemic has absolutely shown them for what they are, money hungry self serving scumbags who couldn't give a damn about their loyal viewers as long as there's money to be made.

How many elderly people, our mums and dads and loved ones, Rte loyal lifetime viewers who trusted them, will never step outside again and who will miss shine of the golden years of life because of the absolute relentless nonstop fear and death that has been pumped down our throats since 2020? How many people have not seen a news report that doesn't include death and doom in our own back yard, much of it made up or actively sought out just to keep the misery money flowing from #holdfirm style advertising?

I know of three older people who have become shells of their former selves from the fear Rte have pumped out during covid and who will never enjoy life again the way they previously did.

I used to have a passing dislike for them, but that's become a passionate hatred for what they have done the past two years. If Rte burnt to the ground in the morning I would have celebratory Margueritas for breakfast. Scumbags.

Hotblack Desiato · 07-01-2022 11:53PM

Never step outside again?

Made up?

Ah here, I'm no fan of RTE but get a grip.

elperello · 08-01-2022 12:30AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118435421#Comment_118435421

I wouldn't go so far as to say you made that up but I'll just add a few observations of my own for the sake of balance.

I'm not taking away from your contribution and I'm sure there are people like your friends who need some extra help.

I know quite a few older people 70+ age range, neighbours, relations etc. and they seem to be handling this Covid hardship fairly well.

They certainly know a lot more about the detail of the situation we are in than me and are practical about the steps they need to take to protect their health.

Some of them are out hill walking, some are visiting and sitting in porches to stay in touch and have a chat.

I know a few who are in touch with children and grand children via WhatsApp etc.

They seem to like to keep up with the news and in general I'd say they prefer to get the facts rather than have information held back from them.

I know one woman who suffers from Post Polio Syndrome and another who lost a brother to TB.

It's not their first rodeo they know what an epidemic can do.

So in conclusion try to help your friends and cheer them up, they got this far so they are tougher than you might think.

fritzelly · 08-01-2022 12:38AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118437109#Comment_118437109

RTE did kinda go full on end of the world with it, omitting the real facts and concentrating on the deaths. Quite a contrast to the UK channels at the time

satguy · 08-01-2022 12:47AM

After the next GE, RTE will have Mary Lou to deal with,, and maybe, just maybe, Mary Lou will save us from these Montrose shysters.

We have put up with their snake oil for far too long.

fritzelly · 08-01-2022 12:49AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118437187#Comment_118437187

SF can't even agree on their policies both sides of the border, no chance they will even touch RTE

vriesmays · 08-01-2022 02:57PM

RTE is for people who qualify for the free TV licence.

Hotblack Desiato · 08-01-2022 03:02PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118437141#Comment_118437141

"The real facts"? WTF is that supposed to mean? Deaths were real facts.

The UK approach would have meant thousands more deaths here.

jippo nolan · 08-01-2022 03:12PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118406140#Comment_118406140

I’m nearly in that group, RTÉ is pure shi_e that I refuse to pay for,I might as well make my way out to one of the gated communities in Dublin 4 & slash it up against the protective wall!

rolling boh · 08-01-2022 04:11PM

I have no issue with people only watching RTE it is their choice and i do know some people mainly older folk that only watch it because it is irish and they generally very parochial about things .I rarely watch it apart from the news or sport my main gripe is the huge money on people who we are told we have to pay them big money to hold onto them but nobody else seems interested in poaching them so for me that argument is total rubbish .

Loafing Oaf · 08-01-2022 06:13PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118437187#Comment_118437187

I very much doubt they are going to 'save us' in the sense you mean but I wonder could they embrace the direct exchequer funding model. It would seem broadly in line with their statist policy platform and if they want to 'leave their mark' from their anticipated time in government...

RandomViewer · 16-01-2022 02:41PM

Government has decided that your electricity bill is where they'll put all these charges, can see a €500 levy being applied and then taxed on top of it

PieOhMy · 16-01-2022 07:50PM

Great value for the licence fee payer who also had to sit through commercials there in the first part of "dancing with the stars". Audio totally out of sync with the visual. Is it that much to ask for the very basics? Seemingly so.

Then a very long introduction of each dancer, a bit of a dance, then Nicky Byrne telling us that this week's public votes AND last votes weeks are all going to be combined with NEXT WEEKS votes to finally arrive to some conclusion.

Then a promotion for another of RTEs phone-in contests. Just to make sure every single cent possible is enticed from the audience. Don't mind informing or entertaining the nation. A more accurate reflection of RTEs mission would be "to milk the nation of every cent."

elperello · 16-01-2022 07:54PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118484320#Comment_118484320

Is this just a hunch or can you confirm it ?

RandomViewer · 16-01-2022 08:20PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118485819#Comment_118485819

Hunch but it's been mentioned too often to not be a possibility

satguy · 16-01-2022 08:40PM

Won't be anywhere near €500.

I think RTE will be lucky to get the €160 the already get now.

We have other channels for soaps and game shows,, what we need from RTE is a good unbiased news channel, and that is all.

No reruns / repeats,, No bought in from USA sh!t,, that was already on ITV or BBC. No stars dancing, or fixing my living room Sh!te..

elperello · 16-01-2022 08:47PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118485937#Comment_118485937

Thanks, just checking.

Can't see €500 myself.

I prefer the direct exchequer funding model.

No licence, no evasion, no collection costs, every one pays a bit and TV is free at point of use just like radio is today.

Capt'n Midnight · 16-01-2022 09:40PM

Across the pond Nadine Dorries is trying to ~~privatise the BBC and Channel 4~~ freeze out out the licence fee.

So the fee will being kept at £159 and it's estimated this will result in a drop of £2Bn drop in income for the BBC over the next six years. the current licence fee funding deal expires in 2027"

As well as that - She said "the days of the elderly being threatened with prison sentences and bailiffs knocking on doors" were over. After removing the govt paid for OAP licences this is another way to defund the BBC by encouraging license evasion.

See also The Government should think twice about privatising Channel 4

elperello · 16-01-2022 09:49PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118486403#Comment_118486403

Not at all surprising that the Tories would be trying to undermine the BBC and dumb down what is probably the best Public Broadcasting Service in the world.

Weaker BBC means less questions which is good when you are running out of answers.

Using pensioners as a justification is just nonsense.

If they really cared about pensioners why don't they give them a free licence like we do?

Arthur Daley · 16-01-2022 10:00PM

Britain has some politicians and some media that won't spend all of their time appeasing the loony left.

There was a lot of love for the BBC up to 10 years ago, but it's become a jokeshop in recent years.

Potential-Monke · 16-01-2022 10:04PM

Well, I used the RTE player for the first time in ages last night. Binged the 5 episodes of The North Water (it's good enough, Farrell is excellent). Each episode is around 55 min long.

Before each episode:

3 normal ads ranging from 10-30 seconds
1 audio/visual warning for the content of the show

20ish minutes later

5 normal ads ranging from 10-30 seconds
1 audio/visual warning for the content of the show

20ish minutes later

5 normal ads ranging from 10-30 seconds
1 audio/visual warning for the content of the show

I'm never watching anything on that again. It was the most painful experience (for a first world resident) I've had in a long time. It completely ruins the flow of the episodes, and the extremely bright and louder ads contrast the dark, quiet tones of the show. Never again. I'll pirate before I use it again. In a time when the rest of the world is speeding up (Netflix et al have no ads, PS5/XSX has near instant loading), RTE are dragging me back to the 90s with their forced terrible ads. Never again.

RabbleRouser2k · 16-01-2022 10:20PM

I think the government in the UK is playing hardball. There's been a very, very left wing vein running through the Beeb at the moment. Hence why shows got the chop, they were trying to appease the government.

Whereas the likes of Sky have gone right-wing, the Beeb has steered to the left. But Sky isn't funded by the TV license, whilst the BBC is.

StevenToast · 16-01-2022 10:30PM

Yes, RTE needs a huge scaling back.....lose RTE2, 2FM...trying to cater for an audience that is not interested....

100% public service broadcasting...news, some good researched Irish Documentaries, Irish Sport.....absolute zero tolerance for bought in American shìte....

16-01-2022 10:43PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118486674#Comment_118486674

Just on the public service broadcasting, they've become the government spin machine with journalists and presenters that like to tell you what your should think and how you should feel, instead of reporting what's happening. I avoid for this reason

StevenToast · 16-01-2022 10:47PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118486742#Comment_118486742

Agreed they have turned into a government mouthpiece....however, there is a duty to have good, unbiased, well debated news coverage....thats why i wouldnt scrap RTE entirely....just a good number of personnel changes...in front of and behind the camera

Dee Forbes banging the RTE TV licence drum again 60m uncollected fee *poll not working - pl ignore*

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Dee Forbes banging the RTE TV licence drum again 60m uncollected fee poll not working - pl ignore