RTÉ will be given a bailout in next month’s budget, Catherine Martin has confirmed.
In the wake of the Ryan Tubridy scandal, huge numbers of people declined to renew their TV licence and the broadcaster has lost millions of euro in revenue.
RTÉ has asked for €34.5 million - but the Media Minister declined to put a figure on the amount that will be provided, or set out the terms and conditions that could come with it.
Director General of RTE Kevin Bakhurst, 25/08/2023. Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews“I can’t predict what those discussions with leaders and with the Finance Ministers [will lead to and] what the decision will be,” she said.
“Will there definitely be strings attached to it? Will it be conversations? Will it be meetings with RTÉ?
“It’s all ahead of us; I can’t predict but I want to make sure it’s value for money for those who consume this content.”
Minister Martin confirmed she will meet new Director General Kevin Bakhurst before the budget - someone she described as having made a “good start”.
Main image: RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst. Picture by: Image: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews
