Part of broadcasting charge 'must go to independent broadcasters'

The chairman of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland is calling on the Government to use the forthcoming public broadcasting charge to develop and strengthen both the independent and public broadcasting sectors.

The Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte plans to replace the current TV licence fee with a charge that will be levied on all households in the country.

Currently all revenue raised by the licence fee goes entirely to RTE.

But, IBI Chairman Scott Williams has said that is not fair as independent broadcasters also have a large public sector dimension to their output.

Mr Williams said: "It must also consider the dual funding of RTE.

"The licence fee was introduced in the sixties when RTE was the only broadcaster. That is no longer the situation."