The proposed €725m in public funding for RTÉ over the next three years, while good news for the public service broadcaster, could damage the competitiveness of independent broadcasters and publishers across television, radio and online.
Media Minister Catherine Martin confirmed that €725m will be allocated to the broadcaster over the next three years. This funding will include €225m for the next year, €240m in 2026, and €260m in 2027.
The funding package is made up of revenue from the €160 television licence fee, the free TV licences and a variable amount of top-up funding from the Exchequer that will bring the broadcaster’s budget up to the agreed level.
RTÉ will also be able to earn additional revenue from its commercial deals, which were worth €152.1m in 2022, the last year for which those figures are available.
Minister Martin also announced that independent broadcasters will be able to apply for a further €4m as part of the …