RTÉ funding options a source of conflict with no clear resolution in sight

RTÉ funding options a source of conflict with no clear resolution in sightWhile the governance and culture review found that the board responded “promptly and appropriately” once secret payments to Ryan Tubridy emerged, there was also sharp criticism of weaknesses at board level, from appointments to skills gaps and an inability to sufficiently scrutinise the broadcaster.

“RTÉ have consistently had weak boards not serving it well,” he says, arguing this is down to the way State boards are set up. Of his brief time on the broadcaster’s board, he recalls, “I felt there was a deal where the executive management were nearly trying to manage the board rather than the board sitting on top, laying out the strategy and driving the institution forward.”

Reports last weekend in The Irish Times and elsewhere outlined how a compromise of increased exchequer funding could be put in place for a time, but that a household charge would also be brought in, suggesting this could be a “landing zone”. Launching the expert reports this week, Martin scotched suggestions that such a hybrid model could defuse the political row – warning that it risked the “worst of both worlds”.

Privately, however, some Fianna Fáil Ministers believe Martin is, in part at least, playing politics. “I wonder is there an element of ‘Greens abolish the licence fee’,” said a Fianna Fáil source on Friday – the suggestion being that ditching the fee could be an achievement worth planting a flag in for the Greens during the general election to come.

Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Lives of Stardust victims detailed by loved onesThe inquests into the fire at the Stardust nightclub heard profiles of the lives, and the deaths, of the 48 victims.
Source: rtenews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »

RTE announces end date for current series of the Tommy Tiernan showThe comedian has interviewed guests such as Deirdre O’Kane, Shay Given, Sarah DeLagarde, Roddy Collins, Celine Byrne, Arthur Gourounlian and Bradley Walsh in the current series
Source: IrishMirror - 🏆 4. / 98 Read more »

Tributes pour in as former RTE presenter Alf McCarthy dies aged 73Alf McCarthy, who passed away following a short illness, was a very popular figure in Cork for not only his work as a broadcaster, but for his involvement in arts and culture groups as well
Source: RSVPMagazine - 🏆 7. / 76 Read more »

Tributes pour after death of iconic former RTE broadcaster Alf McCarthyAlf McCarthy passed away following a short illness in Cork University Hospital on Wednesday
Source: IrishMirror - 🏆 4. / 98 Read more »

Former RTÉ presenter Alf McCarthy dies aged 73Former RTÉ presenter and producer Alf McCarthy has died after a short illness.
Source: rtenews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »

Tributes paid to veteran RTÉ broadcaster and producer Alf McCarthyTánaiste Micheál Martin said popular Cork figure had ‘warm, courteous and happy disposition’
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »