Martin backs broadcasting charge for all households

New levy would replace €160 television licence, and would have to be paid even if households didn’t own a TV

Micheál Martin said he favoured setting up a ‘ring-fenced fund’ for investigative journalism as part of the new funding model. Picture: Julien Behal

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has backed the introduction of a new broadcasting charge for households to fund public service broadcasting and independent journalism.

Under this plan, the current €160 television licence would be converted into a broadcasting charge of the same amount, which would have to be paid by all households even if they do not own a television.

The issue is currently being examined by a commission on the future of the media, which is ...