In 2012, and in line with the rest of the UK, television viewers in Northern Ireland will make the switch to digital TV.

This is causing some consternation amongst those sections of the community who identify themselves with the idea of Irish nationalism. Traditionally, they will turn to the Irish broadcaster RTE for news and current affairs programming. From 2012, they fear that this will no longer be possible, although it is understood that plans are being prepared to facilitate access to RTE in the north.

This is of particular interest to us, as it highlights the fact that in a democratic state people want the right to choose their own media sources, rather than rely on what we are increasingly seeing in the EU: state-sponsored media, or in other words propaganda. EU Reporter has consistently opposed increased state involvement in the media, and the next issue of our magazine - due out next week - will discuss this in some detail.

In January of this year, a cross-party committee of MPs claimed that Northern Ireland is being "culturally neglected" by television broadcasters and channels. There is much debate in the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee about how to address this imbalance. This is likely to to fan the anxiety of the nationalist community who might perceive government involvement as undermining their own interests.