forget the EPG look at the encryption

media network reports that the SBP writes Sky expected to resist new Irish regulation - newspaper

I have to agree with Sky on this, this BCI EPG story is a non starter (mention dish tax anyone?). The SBP should expose the truth behind the deal RTE & Sky protect. Thats a story. Or maybe the RTÉ Radio Investigative Unit could “investigate” how RTE is encrypted and who really benefits form that.

lets remind ourselves

the RTE Audience Council sets a standard for itself and RTE, one of many “High quality schedules available to all (i.e. free to air)“.

from the RTÉ document guiding principles 2006 page 23

Broadcasting law requires RTÉ’s radio and television services to have the character of a public service, to be offered free-to-air and to be universally available, where practicable, to the whole community on the island of Ireland.

From RTÉ doc called ‘2006 corporate responsibility‘ [pdf]

Acting in the public interest
Despite the changing landscape one thing will not change; the very high expectations Irish audiences have of RTÉ – and in particular the high editorial standards. They are right to have these expectations and RTÉ consistently strives to meet them. RTÉ sets public interest tests for itself that include

…

High quality schedules available to all (i.e. universally available and free to air)
…

We want all our services to meet these tests and all our audiences to know that they can trust the integrity of our programmes.
…

The changing landscape
As Irish broadcasting moves to a digital age, RTÉ is committed to developing and changing as necessary to maintain an excellence of service to the people of Ireland. RTÉ must maximise on new ways of connecting with its audiences – while not exacerbating effects of the digital divide. Access to and use of the new wave of technologies will not be universal, there may be a significant group of “digital have-nots”, and it is critical that we ensure broadcasting does not become a source of division rather than of unity. RTÉ will work to ensure that everyone is informed of the new reality, of the advantages of digital, and helped to bridge the digital divide.