RTE theoretically at arms length from state control

However 60s period of immense social, economic and political change - RTE reflects this.

Series of state/broadcaster run-ins in late 1960s. (Charles Haughey)

1972 - Tensions peak over RTE coverage of Northern Ireland - Min P&T (Gerry Collins) dismisses authority over IRA interview

1976 - Broadcasting Authority Amendment Act

Ireland already used to commercial competition from overseas (added to in the 80s by new technologies - cable and satellite).

1981 - Albert Reynolds Independent Radio Bill collapses with Fianna Fail govt.

1987 - Ray Burke publishes Broadcasting & Wireless Telegraphy Bill and the Sound Broadcasting Bill

1988 - Radio and Television Bill passes. Introduces:

IRTC

24 local radio licences

1 national radio broadcaster

1 national television broadcaster

1990 - Broadcasting Act

Introduces Advertising Cap on RTE

Cap a disaster - cripples not just RTE but also independent production sector and increases costs of advertising. TV3 never starts.

1993 - Broadcasting Amendment Act

End Cap

Establishes IPU

Requires RTE to spend increasing amounts on independent productions (up to £12 million by 1999 or 20% of total production budget - whichever higher)

1995 - Active or Passive - Green Paper on Broadcasting

1996- 98 - Teilifís na Gaeilge/TV3launched.

2001 Broadcasting Act

Today four domestic television stations:

Three State One Private

RTE TV3 (90% owned by

Network 2 Canwest & Granada)

TG4

Arguably new commerical stations actually narrow choice rather than increase it.