Media committee to scrutinise RTÉ reform progress
The Joint Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport will meet RTÉ leaders to assess reform implementation, funding challenges, and organisational changes. The session on 4 November in Dublin will focus on governance, HR reforms, and financial pressures following government funding decisions.
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Oireachtas - Press Releases
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The Joint Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport is scheduled to meet with senior RTÉ executives on Wednesday, 4 November, to review the broadcaster’s progress on its reform agenda, financial status, and ongoing organisational transformation.
RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst and the broadcaster’s leadership team will present updates on the implementation of recommendations from the Expert Advisory Committees concerning governance and human resources, alongside the broader A New Direction strategy. The meeting will also address RTÉ’s funding situation following the Government’s decision not to provide the full €31 million additional Exchequer funding requested for 2027, which included €20 million above the 2026 baseline and €11 million to offset anticipated declines in television licence revenue.
Discussions will cover RTÉ’s voluntary exit programme, plans to reduce staffing, and changes to production and operational models. Committee Chair Deputy Alan Kelly emphasised the importance of public confidence and funding accountability, noting that while some reform commitments have been met, the pace of implementation has lagged behind original timelines. He highlighted expectations for governance reforms to conclude by year-end, with an HR report due by mid-2027, stressing the public’s right to see tangible results and sustainable changes embedded in RTÉ’s daily operations. The committee will also explore how RTÉ plans to uphold its public service remit, maintain quality journalism, and serve audiences nationwide amid significant organisational and financial shifts.
The meeting will be broadcast live on www.oireachtas.ie and accessible via the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android devices.
RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst and the broadcaster’s leadership team will present updates on the implementation of recommendations from the Expert Advisory Committees concerning governance and human resources, alongside the broader A New Direction strategy. The meeting will also address RTÉ’s funding situation following the Government’s decision not to provide the full €31 million additional Exchequer funding requested for 2027, which included €20 million above the 2026 baseline and €11 million to offset anticipated declines in television licence revenue.
Discussions will cover RTÉ’s voluntary exit programme, plans to reduce staffing, and changes to production and operational models. Committee Chair Deputy Alan Kelly emphasised the importance of public confidence and funding accountability, noting that while some reform commitments have been met, the pace of implementation has lagged behind original timelines. He highlighted expectations for governance reforms to conclude by year-end, with an HR report due by mid-2027, stressing the public’s right to see tangible results and sustainable changes embedded in RTÉ’s daily operations. The committee will also explore how RTÉ plans to uphold its public service remit, maintain quality journalism, and serve audiences nationwide amid significant organisational and financial shifts.
The meeting will be broadcast live on www.oireachtas.ie and accessible via the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android devices.
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