Public's Views Wanted On TV Coverage Of Major Designated Events

　

 

 

PUBLIC’S VIEWS WANTED ON TV COVERAGE OF MAJOR DESIGNATED EVENTS - MORAN

Labour Senator Mary Moran has welcomed the announcement by Minister Pat Rabbitte that he intends to initiate a review of TV coverage of designated events and that members of the public have been invited to make submissions.

“I am delighted that the public will be given this opportunity to make their views known to the Minister on the current list of events and the addition of other possible events. The Minister may designate events of cultural or sporting importance and in turn these events should be available free to air. The list of designated events currently include the Summer Olympics, All-Ireland Senior Inter-County Football & Hurling Finals, the Irish Grand National, and more.

“Last week I presented a petition to RTE on the lack of live coverage of the 2014 Special Olympics. In this context, Minister Rabbitte’s move is a great opportunity to further open the debate on inclusion and equality in broadcasting. I have advocated that the Special Olympics National Games and Paralympics finals should be made available via live televised coverage for people all over the country to enjoy. Thousands of people descended on Limerick this weekend to watch the dedicated athletes in Special Olympics partake in a truly uplifting event. This type of event is of sporting importance to our nation and should be given the recognition it deserves.

“As I have promised previously, I will continue to pursue matters surrounding equality in broadcasting in the Seanad and with the Minister. I would encourage members of the public to make their views heard by the 1^st August 2014 closing date.”

 

Note to Editors:

The closing date for submissions is 1 August 2014. Submissions can be made:

-Electronic format--majorevents@dcenr.gov.ie

-Hard copy to Maria Owens, Major Events Coverage, Broadcasting Policy Division, Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, 29-31 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2

The Department proposes to publish all material submitted on the Department's website. Those who wish to have their submissions remain confidential should clearly mark it so.