RTE director-general Kevin Bakhurst stated that it may have to consider compulsory redundancies “in some unspecified time in the future” as the nationwide broadcaster offers with large reductions in TV licence purchases.
After a scandal rocked the broadcaster in June, there have been 37,089 fewer licences bought throughout eight weeks in comparison straight with the numbers purchased in the similar interval final 12 months – representing a doable lack of 5.9 million euro.
Talking to reporters after a gathering with Media Minister Catherine Martin, Mr Bakhurst stated RTE is “completely not contemplating compulsory redundancies at the second” however added: “We may have to try this in some unspecified time in the future.”
The assembly got here forward of the publication of a extremely anticipated report into the funds of the broadcaster.
It’s pressing however the timing has to be proper and we’ve bought to present we’ve made adjustments to the organisation
Kevin Bakhurst
An interim forensic accounting report into RTE’s barter account system, carried out by Mazars, is to be printed afterward Friday.
Requested about the report, he stated: “It’s helpful for us, there are actions to be taken.”
He stated he had a “very constructive, wide-ranging, helpful” dialogue with the minister.
Mr Bakhurst stated he mentioned the broadcaster’s future funding with Ms Martin.
Requested about discussions with Authorities on future funding for RTE, Mr Bakhurst stated: “It’s pressing however the timing has to be proper and we’ve bought to present we’ve made adjustments to the organisation earlier than that may begin.”
Requested a couple of Way forward for Media Fee advice that RTE be funded via taxation somewhat than the licence price, Mr Bakhurst stated it was a “actually fascinating factor to be explored”.
He added: “It’s working very effectively in Sweden, for instance.”
The measure was rejected by the Authorities when the report got here out final 12 months.
Mr Bakhurst stated the broadcaster needs to “check out varied folks” in the 9am Radio One slot, after he determined Ryan Tubridy wouldn’t return to his present.
Mr Bakhurst stated he has not spoken to Tubridy since that call.
Individually, he stated a register of workers’ pursuits might be printed “in comparatively brief order”.
As well as, he stated he was “stunned” that RTE had authorised a presenter to submit an advert marketing campaign for ‘butt elevate’ adverts on their social media.
