RTE seeks members of the public for new advisory body

RTÉ is seeking 10 members of the public to join a new advisory body that will recommend changes in programme content to the State broadcaster.

Applications are being sought for places on the RTÉ Audience Council, which is being set up as a condition of the company receiving a €43 increase in the licence fee last January.

The move follows RTÉ's presentation of a "statement of commitments" to the Minister for Communications, Mr Ahern, a fortnight ago in what was another gesture linked to the fee increase.

The 10 public members of the council will be selected on a gender-equality basis with an even regional spread. Two will be drawn from each of Ireland's EU constituency areas, and two from Northern Ireland.

Applicants must be aged over 18 and have a general interest in broadcasting. There will be no remuneration for sitting on the council, although travel and subsistence expenses will be paid.

Advertisements giving details of the opportunity are to be placed on RTÉ radio and television and in the RTÉ Guide from next Monday.

The 10 listeners and viewers will be joined by 11 representative members of the council drawn from various bodies, and an ex-officio ordinary member, Mr Gary Hynes, chairman of the RTÉ Authority's programme sub-committee. The list of 22 will then be submitted to the Minister for ratification.

The director-general of RTÉ will each year attend at least one meeting of the council, which in turn will offer advice to the company's governing body. The council will also interact with the public through a variety of means.

The 11 representative members will be drawn from each of IBEC, ICTU, the IFA, the community and voluntary sector, the Arts Council, the National Children's Office, the City and County Managers' Association, the Equality Authority, Foras na Gaeilge, the Irish Council of Churches and the Irish Sports Council.

Application forms for membership of the council can be obtained by calling RTÉ at 1850 223 224. Completed forms must be returned by June 12th.