Nevertheless, there is an unease that broadcasting professionals who occupy a position of considerable power, may occasionally use that position to set personal agendas thereby promoting their own opinions and views in their broadcasting. The question has to be asked whether the intent of the current legislation in relation to programming is being met or is being circumvented. There have also been instances where the suggestion hasbeen made that programming personnel have in effect used the airwaves to carry on an intense crusade for or against a particular position or state of affairs with a view to mobilising public opinion without a proper regard for the opposing point of view. The critical role of broadcasting is vital but should not be confused with sectional or narrow campaigning on a special issue. Programming has at once a descriptive function to which the concept of balance can apply but also it carries an investigative and revelatory function which, while more uncomfortably accommodating the concept of balance, is a necessary and vital central function for a national broadcasting service.
Balance has to sit with a vigorous critical function.
There has been a criticism from time to time that the Authority is primarily orientated towards its Dublin audience. This possibility is discussed in paragraphs 5.8 to 5.10 below. 5.8 The Production Environment. The origination, managementand production of television and radio programmes are activities demanding creativity, energy and a high level of organising skills. The context in which these activities take place in Ireland is a highly competitive one particularly in relation to television with most of the potential audience for Irish programming having access to four terrestrial channels in the UK, not to speak of the many satellite channels which are now available.