The post consolidates all the existing reporting lines and responsibilities within RTÉ into a single office. Ms Curtis will lead the RTÉ project in the communications, marketing, technical, regulatory, public information and liaison activities. The role aims to ensure that the public are enabled and encouraged to harness the new DTT infrastructure currently being put in place across Ireland by RTÉNL, by:

• bringing  about effective public uptake of the new television transmission and reception technology; and
• doing so in time for the switch-off of traditional Analogue Terrestrial Television (ATT) by the end of 2012.

The Director will also co-ordinate decisions on the key RTÉ content and configuration of channels to be provided in the rollout of DTT services and in the next, wider phase of service expansion.

Under the 2009 Broadcasting Act RTÉ must establish and launch one national DTT multiplex (a section of spectrum) to provide its own and other broadcasters’ services to the public at a level of distribution aimed at replicating the level now in place for Irish licensed free-to-air channels. This action is required as part of Irish delivery on the EU policy objective of achieving ASO (Analogue Switch-Off, the closing down of ATT by the end of 2012.   

Current distribution of television varies widely in Ireland and includes Free-To-Air ATT, Free-To-View Satellite and Pay TV Subscription Services delivered by Satellite, by Cable, by Fibre and by MMDS.  To meet the expressed policy goal RTÉ, through its subsidiary RTÉNL, is in the process of building the necessary national DTT transmission infrastructure. Discussions on the final configuration of the system are continuing between RTÉ and the regulators and key stakeholders including the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and Comreg.

Director General Cathal Goan said: “RTÉ believes it is necessary to have a key senior manager and team in place to lead the project and to liaise with internal and external stakeholders - so that the Digital Switch Over (DSO) proposition and challenge is clearly understood by  all parties and is communicated effectively to all members of the general public. The project leader role is of significant strategic importance for RTÉ.”

Ms Curtis is currently Deputy Director of Programmes in RTÉ Television. She will take up the new post in September 2010 and will report to the Director General. Ms Curtis’ replacement as Deputy Director of Programmes is TBC.