The public has its say about RT

Views of public will guide what RT will do over the years ahead

Almost 10,000 people shared their views in February and March 2021

Strong public mandate that will inform what RT does in the future

Strong public support for wide range of public service programming and content

See the results in detail and watch our promo at www.rte.ie/haveyoursay or www.rte.ie/tabhairdothuairim

Almost 10,000 members of the public have responded to RT 's invitation to say what they think about RT through its Have your say' campaign.

In February and March 2021, through an independent survey, and following a national Have Your Say' media campaign, members of the public were invited to give their views on RT and what they want from it, whether they regularly consume RT 's television, radio or online services, or not. These views will guide what RT will do over the years ahead.

Under the Broadcasting Act (2009), RT is required to consult with the public and prepare a Public Service Statement every five years. This statement sets out the principles to be observed and activities to be undertaken by RT in order to fulfil its public service remit. This year's consultation received the largest ever response to a media consultation with the Irish public.

The anonymous survey was conducted by Behaviour & Attitudes (B&A) on behalf of RT and all members of the public were invited to give their opinions.

What the public told us.

About RT programming and content

89% say it is important that RT produces a mix of programmes and content.

89% agree audiences should have access to a broad range of high-quality content that is from Ireland.

91% say it is important RT provides programmes and content that cover a wide range of interests.

92% say it is important to provide coverage of events of national interest across culture, sport, politics and other areas.

87% also say it is important that RT provides archive material documenting the heritage and everyday life of Ireland, which should be accessible in all formats (video, audio, and written).

About what's important to people

In general, there is strong support for all public service principles RT follows:

Being independent from political, commercial and other influences

Acting in the best interest of society

Being for everyone and available to everyone (universality)

Striving for excellence

Providing a platform for Ireland's creative talent and culture

Supporting innovation and creativity

Promoting Ireland's diversity and culture

Being accountable to the public and stakeholders

Specifically:

Independence and accountability: 94% say it is important that RT is independent from political, commercial and other influences; this is the number one principle (same as 2015). Being accountable is the second most important principle for the public (91%). In terms of accountability, 96% want RT to provide the opportunity for public feedback and complaints and the same number want RT to ensure it is managed in line with best practice.

High quality news: 97% say it's important that RT provides high quality national and international news and current affairs that is accurate, fair, impartial and objective. RT must also make autonomous editorial decisions and 96% say it is important that RT hold those in positions of authority to account.

Debate: 92% say it is important for RT to facilitate debate on views and ideas that contribute to a democratic society.

Access: 94% say it is important that RT ensures people with disabilities can access RT programming and services, while 92% say it is important that RT content and services are as accessible as possible to everyone.

Diversity: 74% say it's important that RT creates content that reflects the diversity that exists in Ireland.

According to the survey, the public also wants RT to entertain them and make them laugh, to provide quality documentaries that get that nation talking and to provide a platform for Ireland's artists, musicians, and culture.

According to Dee Forbes: We'd like to thank almost 10,000 members of the public for sharing your views with us. These views will play an important part in shaping what RT , as your public service media, does in the years ahead, as part of our ongoing commitment to meeting your needs.

While the survey provides much food for thought, it is encouraging to see that the public supports RT as an independent, strong, and accountable public service media that informs, engages, and entertains a wide range of audiences through our programming and our services. We do not take this support for granted. We will now further explore this valuable feedback as we develop RT 's Public Service Statement in the coming months and plot our path for the future.

For more information and to read the report in full, visit www.rte.ie/haveyoursay.

ENDS

About RT 's Public Service Statement

Under the Broadcasting Act 2009, RT is required to prepare a Public Service Statement every five years, and this must be informed by a public consultation. This Statement is to explain to the public the principles RT will observe and activities it will undertake to deliver its public service remit.

In 2021, this process involved two exercises: a public consultation survey was complemented by a nationally representative quantitative survey, with the same core questionnaire administered to both survey samples.

The primary objective of this research is to inform RT 's next PSS via gathering statistically reliable and valid data regarding:

RT 's purpose and principles, such as independence and accountability.

RT 's content remit such as genre expectations, and the experience and impact it has on people.

RT 's universality remit, exploring areas such as div

LINK:	https://about.rte.ie/2021/07/08/the-public-has-its-say-about-rte/...
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