Government Announces ‘Unexpected Reduction’ In TV licence Fee

THE GOVERNMENT announced its decision today to decrease the national television licence fee from September 1st 20013.

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, told WWN that the department received news of an ‘unexpected surge’ in funds earlier this morning, which in turn will allow the government to reduce the current licence fee of €160 per annum by 50%.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances, we had no option but to reduce the current cost of the soon to be broadcasting charge to eighty euros.” said Mr. Rabbitte. “Hopefully this will alleviate some of the financial strain on people currently struggling with their bills.”

When asked, the communications minister refused to comment on whether the ‘unexpected reduction’ was directly linked to broadcaster Pat Kenny’s announcement today that he will be leaving state run broadcaster, RTE, next month for Newstalk FM.

“I am not in a position to comment on that at the moment.” he said.

However, sources in RTE stated they were now, for the first time in 41 years,  in a position to increase their budget for the rest of this year.

“We are thinking of opening up a new studio in Donnybrook now that we have some money to spend again.” said the stations TV chief earlier. “It’s like we won the euro-millions or something.”

Meanwhile, several Newstalk DJ’s confirmed this evening that their wages were to be cut to facilitate the arrival of Pat Kenny to the station in September.

“I suppose we all had a good ride on the gravy train until now.” said Newstalk host Tom Dunne. “Looks like this will be the third rail disaster in a week.”