RTÉ and outsourcing programme production

Sir, – David McKenna (Letters, July 3rd), in his reply to Una Mullally (“If RTÉ moves away from its DNA, what is it any more?,” Opinion & Analysis, July 1st), waves away her concerns by saying that if a successful producer “decide one day to pull the plug” RTÉ would retain the programme rights and could simply commission another.

His response helps put in focus the plight of creative workers exposed to the vagaries and complexities of the marketplace, including precarious employment, low pay, and a denial of the right to collective representation.

The argument put forward for funding external commissions from commercial production companies is the opportunity to enhance the media landscape through greater diversity – new programmes, new ideas, new approaches. With a thriving creative sector, it seems a noble aim.

In that context, I’ve yet to hear a coherent argument for transferring existing programmes from the public service broadcaster to the commercial sector. – Yours, etc,