Give RTÉ extra €30m in funding, says BAI

RTÉ should receive a €30million increase in its annual public funding, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has said.

The regulator said the ‘role’ and ‘value’ of public service broadcasting ‘should not be taken for granted’ at a time when RTÉ and TG4 are facing ‘significant challenges’ in a rapidly evolving media industry. It recommended that the increase should be available immediately. It also backed a funding increase of €6million per year for TG4.

‘There is a strong justification to support increased levels of funding for each of the broadcasters, which should assist them in meeting environmental, technological and financial challenges while also fulfilling audience expectations, both now and into the future,’ said the BAI.

The recommendations have been submitted to Communications Minister Denis Naughten. With regard to RTÉ and TG4, the BAI noted the significant changes both stations have implemented to reduce costs and increase efficiency in recent years.

It also noted that there has been no increase in the television licence fee, which costs eligible households €160, in a decade. The last increase was in January 2008, when it rose by €2. RTÉ has said it welcomes the BAI recommendation.

In a statement, the broadcaster said that with journalism and storytelling under threat, the need for strong Irish public service media has never been greater, and that adequate public funding is essential.