Bakhurst says RTE could have to think about obligatory redundancies sooner or later
R
TE director-general Kevin Bakhurst mentioned that it could have to think about obligatory redundancies “at some point” because the nationwide broadcaster offers with huge 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 identical interval final 12 months – representing a attainable lack of 5.9 million euro.
Speaking to reporters after a gathering with Media Minister Catherine Martin, Mr Bakhurst mentioned RTE is “absolutely not considering compulsory redundancies at the moment” however added: “We may have to do that at some point.”
The assembly got here forward of the publication of a extremely anticipated report into the funds of the broadcaster.
It is pressing however the timing needs to be proper and we’ve bought to indicate we’ve made adjustments to the organisation
An interim forensic accounting report into RTE’s barter account system, carried out by Mazars, is to be revealed in a while Friday.
Asked concerning the report, he mentioned: “It is useful for us, there are actions to be taken.”
He mentioned he had a “very positive, wide-ranging, useful” dialogue with the minister.
Mr Bakhurst mentioned he mentioned the broadcaster’s future funding with Ms Martin.
Asked about discussions with Government on future funding for RTE, Mr Bakhurst mentioned: “It is urgent but the timing has to be right and we’ve got to show we’ve made changes to the organisation before that can start.”
Asked a couple of Future of Media Commission advice that RTE be funded by taxation moderately than the licence payment, Mr Bakhurst mentioned it was a “really interesting thing to be explored”.
He added: “It is working very well in Sweden, for example.”
The measure was rejected by the Government when the report got here out final 12 months.
Mr Bakhurst mentioned the broadcaster needs to “try out various people” within the 9am Radio One slot, after he determined Ryan Tubridy wouldn’t return to his present.
Mr Bakhurst mentioned he has not spoken to Tubridy since that call.
Separately, he mentioned a register of staff’ pursuits can be revealed “in relatively short order”.
In addition, he mentioned he was “surprised” that RTE had permitted a presenter to publish an advert marketing campaign for ‘butt lift’ adverts on their social media.