Blather and twaddle standing in the way of greater airplay for irish acts
“Blather and twaddle” is standing in the way of moves to get greater airtime on RTE for Irish musical acts, Deputy Willie Penrose has complained this week.
But no such problem stopped the French from putting quotas in place to ensure that 40 per cent of French radio time is given over to French artists, he said, as he asked, in Dáil Éireann, for Ireland to introduce a similar quota system.
“Nothing except the lack of goodwill and ambition is stopping Ireland from pursuing a similar policy,” he said, citing claims made by composer Johnny Duhan, and going on to say that there is “abject failure” on the national airwaves to afford a forum for talented Irish musicians.
“If they are not hearing it at all, how can we foster a love for Irish music, in whatever genre - rock, pop, country, traditional, folk, and so forth?” he asked.
Deputy Penrose continued: “I support unequivocally Mr Duhan’s argument that there has been too much placid acceptance by the Government and authorities of the view that Ireland would not be allowed by the EU to legislate for a similar quota system as happened in France,” said Deputy Penrose.
He went on to say that that such claims were “bureaucratic twaddle; anything to portray ourselves as supplicants or poodles who must always be seen as good Europeans”.
“Radio is very important for musical acts,” he said.
“It can turn little-known acts into big acts and move them out of pub backrooms and into theatres. It can truly make or break an act.
“Sadly, in Ireland, it is breaking them in the wrong way, by breaking their backs because by and large it ignore them completely.”
He said some Irish acts have to rely on You Tube to get their message out.
“No one cared about Glen Hansard and The Frames until he came back from the Oscars clutching a statue, and even now we do not hear as much of him as we should.
“Snow Patrol had to appear on American television before they were taken seriously.
“Irish country music is filling hotel ballrooms and even cruise ships, yet I do not hear much of it on RTE radio. It is about time we recognised that this is an important area.”
In addition, the deputy said, the definition of what is Irish by stations complying with their voluntary commitments to the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, can be “alarming”, citing the fact that a Kylie Minogue hit was deemed Irish because parts of it were recorded at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, and similarly with a Rhianna song.
Deputy Penrose name checked individuals who are doing their bit for Irish music on RTE - Ronan Collins and John Creedon; and he had praise for the local radio stations, in particular, Joe Cooney on Midlands Radio 3, who, he said, makes a special effort to have a daily country music programme and gives Irish artists an opportunity to be heard, and Frank Kilbride and Joe Finnegan on Shannonside-Northern Sound.
The deputy said that former Senator Donie Cassidy, and former county councillor, Tom Allen, aka TR Dallas, have raised similar complaints to his in the past.
“Irish country music is filling hotel ballrooms and even cruise ships, yet I do not hear much of it on RTE radio. It is about time we recognised that this is an important area,” he said.
Minister Jan O’Sullivan, responding on behalf of Communications minister, Deputy Alex White, said that RTE and TG4 are required to ensure their services reflect the varied elements which make up the culture of the people of Ireland and “have special regard for the elements which distinguish that culture and in particular the Irish language”.
“While the Minister fully supports the promotion of Irish music in our broadcasting services, the policy approach taken to this issue must be consistent with EU and Irish regulatory structures,” she continued, going on to state that “it is believed that a quota system for music could not therefore be based simply on the nationality of the musicians, singers or producers, thus discriminating against works produced by nationals of other member states”.