Independence Party seeks review of RÚV operations

Seven MPs from Iceland’s Independence Party have proposed appointing a five-member working group to review the operations of public broadcaster RÚV, with particular focus on its finances and position relative to private media, mbl.is reports.

The group would compare RÚV and privately run media in terms of spending, revenue and staff numbers. It would also examine RÚV’s future role in a changing media landscape and its position in the advertising market.

The proposal’s explanatory memorandum says provisions in the law governing RÚV are broad and unclear about the broadcaster’s role, obligations and activities. It also says private media have weakened considerably in recent years, while RÚV’s position has largely remained unchanged. Because RÚV is funded through a special fee charged to the public, the proposal says its operations and standing relative to other media should be examined.

The working group would assess whether private companies could adequately provide services offered by RÚV, particularly activities beyond those legally defined as public-service media, and why RÚV undertakes those activities.

It would also compare RÚV with public broadcasters in other Nordic countries, looking at funding, roles and activities outside their statutory duties, including podcasts and social media. The memorandum notes that legal frameworks and working practices for public broadcasters have changed in other Nordic countries in recent years, and says it should be considered whether similar changes are appropriate in Iceland.