The National Union of Journalists has said it remains “gravely concerned” at the continued uncertainty surrounding RTÉ’s future and called for a “sharp focus” on the funding of public service broadcasting in Ireland.
NUJ members gathered at RTÉ with trade union colleagues to call on the Government to act immediately on the funding crisis within the broadcaster and the wider public service broadcasting sector.
NUJ Dublin Broadcasting branch chair Emma O Kelly said: “Our members remain concerned at the financial crisis caused by the delay in reforming the financing of public service broadcasting.
“Legitimate concern over corporate governance failures and understandable anger at the lack of engagement by former senior executives should not be used to further delay decisions on the funding of public service broadcasting.
“Our call on the government is to act immediately to confirm a new model of funding for public service broadcasting, one which provides certainty to RTÉ staff, the independent production sector, and the public.”
Speaking in the Dáil, Minister for Media Catherine Martin said that direct exchequer funding will be considered for public service broadcasting.
Ms Martin also praised the staff at RTÉ for their work, especially through Covid-19, in providing reliable trustworthy information.
She said that she wants to put on the record her thanks to the staff at RTÉ.
