Don't worry lads, RTE may be struggling in the financial stakes but Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte won't be giving them any more of your hard earned cash. At least not directly through the good old TV licence fee anyway.
The Commnications Minister says he won't be raising the €160 yearly licence fee in order to support the lads in Montrose. In fact, The Irish Indepdent says he's made it "very plain" to the bosses that it's up to them to keep the books in the black by the end of the year. We doubt director general Noel Curran will be too happy to hear that now.
But of course, that's not the whole story, is it now Pat? Nah, sure isn't he talking about changing the licence fee altogether... So, the licence fee as we know it may not go up, but if the Minister gets his way, there'll be a new charge to replace it. And he certainly hasn't ruled out a price hike for that now has he? Pat was on the wireless (on Newstalk's 'Sunday Show' to be precise) over the weekend and got talking about those of us who watch d'telly on the laptops and the smartphones.
Y'see, the Government are getting crafty lads, and they're thinking about slapping everyone in the country (yes, even those who don't have a telly) with a 'broadcasting charge'. There go our dreams of enjoying On Demand TV without the worries of a TV licence, eh?
We had heard whisperings about the possibility of charging those who watch telly on the laptop indirectly, but we weren't quite sure it would ever come to pass. There's still no official word on it being implemented, but it sounds as though Pat is quite keen on the idea. "If you had a new charge and if the efficacy of collection was more effective, then you could expect there would be more revenue," he said.
We've got five words for you on that one Pat: "Ah heyor, leave eh ouh!"
