The report reveals that in 2015, the national broadcaster produced 4,710 hours of home-produced TV programming, 1.5M users downloaded the RTÉ News Now app and the number of homes with Saorview grew by 10%.
With its many examples of success however, funding is also a key topic. Chair Moya Doherty opened her statement in the 160 page document with a statement on the lack of funding, as follows:
“RTÉ has not managed to break even in this financial year, however, a modest deficit should be viewed in the context of seven years without any increase in funding for the organisation.” Doherty goes on to indicate that proposals for the development of lands at Donnybrook have been developed by management, and could yield resources for capital investment.
Additionally she discusses the intention and implementation of the strategy of the Board throughout 2015, the success of which she emphasises must be grounded in an understanding of the view and needs of the audience. She states:
“To this end, the Board has been meeting regularly with audiences, RTÉ staff, the Executive and, crucially, the independent production sector, to develop trust, but also to underline the independent nature of the Board’s work and of RTÉ’s voice.”
Director-General Noel Curran’s review comments the success of the documentary series such as ‘Hidden Impact’ and ‘Better Off Abroad’, as well as investigative programming series and RTÉ Sport.
He further discusses the significant changes to both RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ 2fm, the latter partnering with Conradh na Gaeilge in support of the broadcaster’s Irish-language initiative. Curran does also address the issue of funding however, stating that its success must be supported in order to facilitate future growth.
“But to grow into the future and to be the supporter of the Irish creative economy that we should and want to be, RTÉ must be adequately funded. RTÉ is not looking for any increase in the burden on households, just sensible reform of a system that is no longer fit for purpose or reflective of modern media consumption habits.”
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