Collapse in TV Licence revenue threatens independent production companies and jobs – Kyne

The collapse in TV licence revenue threatens the future of independent production companies and their associated jobs, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Sean Kyne has called for urgent action to protect workers in local and community media and the film, TV and radio production sector whose roles are funded through the Sound and Vision Scheme, which received a ringfenced portion of the licence fee.

Senator Kyne said: “The collapse in the TV Licence revenue is not just a problem for RTÉ. It threatens a vital source of funding for independent tv, radio and film production companies and all of the workers involved, including actors, writers, producers, directors and many more.

“Since the Broadcasting Act of 2009, the Sound and Vision Scheme has, through a ringfenced portion of the TV Licence Fee, supported the creation of content for TV, film and radio that otherwise would not have been made.

“There have been 49 rounds of funding under the Sound and Vision Scheme to date with the most recent rounds supporting more than 100 projects produced by local and community radio stations, as well as for larger media companies, such as TG4 and Newstalk. 

“The Scheme is directly linked to the TV Licence as the legislation provides that 7% of the money collected through the Licence Fee goes into the fund. Therefore, as the funding collected via the TV Licence Fee falls, so too does the amount of money available for the Sound and Vision Scheme. 

“Minister Catherine Martin needs to take action now to avoid a collapse in funding and to protect jobs in local and community media and the film, TV and radio production sector that are now under serious threat,” Senator Kyne concluded.

ENDS