RTE Director General Kevin Bakhurst to hit back at 'untrue' privatisation 'allegations'
The Irish Mirror also understands that the Government decision on future funding for RTÉ and other forms of media may not be made by the time the Dáil rises for its summer break next week
RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst will say that allegations RTÉ’s "increased commitment to commissioned content is some form of privatisation" are "untrue".
In his opening address to TDs and Senators at the Oireachtas Media Committee on Tuesday evening, he will defend RTÉ’s new five-year strategy and will say that "previous strategic plans have failed because they did not go far enough".
RTÉ published its five-year 'New Direction Strategy' last week. It confirmed plans to cut 400 jobs, close four digital radio stations, limit presenters' salaries and launch two new apps.
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A consolidated Donnybrook site will also mean reduced overheads, "with fewer people on-site due to headcount reductions and further increases in hybrid working," it said.
In plans that angered some staff members, RTÉ stated it could move the production of Fair City and the Late Late Show from its Montrose base. Mr Bakhurst also stated that they may be produced by the independent sector.
SIPTU Industrial Organiser Martin Mannion described the plan as a clear move towards privatisation.
In his opening statement to the committee on Tuesday evening, Mr Bakhurst will say that he disagrees with this assessment.
He will say: "It is important to be clear what this new strategy is, and also what it is not.
"I am aware that there are some allegations that our increased commitment to commissioned content is some form of privatisation of a public good. That is untrue. Working in partnership with the creative sector has been a long standing obligation in the provision of public service media, both for RTÉ and TG4.
"Our intention to do more with the sector is reflective of national policy, our statutory obligations, and the recommendations of the Future of Media Commission report.
"Many of our most-watched programmes, be it factual documentaries such as Birdsong or popular programmes such as Dancing with the Stars are made in partnership with the independent sector."
Mr Bakhurst will also say there is a "prohibitive cost of maintaining RTÉ's significant existing ageing infrastructure" and this means that RTÉ will be "a smaller organisation by the end of the strategy period" in 2029.
"We will retain 1,400 roles within the organisation, and there will be opportunities for the staff to explore new roles and opportunities, supported by training and development where necessary. The reduction in staff numbers over the five years ahead will be achieved through a voluntary exit programme (with all relevant approvals).
"RTE has been operating with deficits for many years at this point, long before the licence fee crisis in 2023. With an aged building stock in need of large-scale investment, and a workforce of a significant scale, the need to take corrective action has become very clear."
Meanwhile, it is now looking likely that a decision on the future funding of RTÉ and other media will not be made by the time the Dáil rises next week.
Media Minister Catherine Martin has now started having bilateral talks with senior politicians. She is in favour of direct Exchequer funding, something that is opposed by both senior Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael politicians.
Sources told the Irish Mirror that the decision on the TV licence fee may not be made next week before the Dáil rises.
They indicated that it was "always the month of July" in which the decision would be made and that this did not necessarily mean it would be done before the Dáil rises.
Cabinet will continue to meet throughout July. The matter will also have to be discussed at leadership level when either Roderic O’Gorman or Pippa Hackett are made Green Party leader on July 8. As this is the final week the Dáil sits and they will have to discuss the future funding with Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin, it is unlikely the decision will be made next week.
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