TV3'S DECISION to drop its political discussion programme The Political Partywas "mystifying" and disappointing, Labour Party spokeswoman on communications Liz McManus said.
The station must not be allowed to casually disregard its current affairs content obligations, she said.
" The Political Partywas one of a very small number of current affairs/political programmes transmitted by TV3 and the decision to scrap it will leave its schedule in this area very thin indeed."
Ms McManus said she realised that both RTÉ and TV3 were facing more difficult conditions. However, she said it was a pity that so soon after RTÉ decided to pull Questions and Answers, The Political Partywas also cut.
“I find the decision in regard to both programmes somewhat mystifying as recent viewing figures have shown that there is still a significant public appetite for interesting and well-produced current affairs programmes.”
She also said dropping the programme was particularly disappointing as only a number of months ago TV3 significantly reduced its news coverage at weekends.
“When it secured its licence for an independent television . . . TV3 gave certain undertakings in regard to its news and current affairs content.
“There is now an obligation on the Broadcasting Commission to ensure that commitments entered into are not now casually discarded.”
