Sir, - Simon McGarr's article on RT╔ in your edition of August 23rd raises important issues, not only about public service broadcasting but also the functioning of our democracy.
Our print media are in the hands of private business. There is, therefore, no necessity for RT╔ to be beholden to a similar constituency.
That RT╔, the national broadcaster, has to put on Eastenders, for example, at peak time to satisfy advertisers is indefensible. That we have to acquire such moronic muck from our former imperial masters in order to maintain the viability of our national broadcasting organisation after nearly a century of independence is obscene.
RT╔ should get a sufficient licence fee to enable it to maintain its independence. It should not have to descend to the low st common denominator or grovel to the government of the day in order to survive. - Yours, etc.,
A. Leavy, Shielmartin Drive, Sutton, Dublin 13.