RTÉ land sale and restructuring [Merged]

The Cush

RTÉ DG Dee Forbes is the welcome and keynote speaker at this week's Belfast Media Festival, Theatre One - Day One 16th November 2017 12:45 - 14:00.

She gives the RTS Dan Gilbert Lecture which "will set out RTɒs strategy for the next five years – the organisational changes, the technology investments and editorial and creative priorities for the years ahead".

http://www.belfastmediafestival.co.uk/events/welcome/

The Dan Gilbert Lecture presented by the Royal Television Society RTE For a new Generation, Dee Forbes Director General RTE

Welcome and Keynote: Dee Forbes, Director General, RTE

RTÉ for a new Generation – The Dan Gilbert Lecture presented by the Royal Television Society

The lecture will set out RTÉ's strategy for the next five years – the organisational changes, the technology investments and editorial and creative priorities for the years ahead.

Dee will take questions afterwards for 15-20 minutes.

Elmo

Moya Doherty takes 5 more years at RTÉ, though she had said she could only ever commit to 3. Disappointed as I kind of though 3 years was enough for one person and it would have been nice to see a change.

The Cush

Elmo wrote: »

Moya Doherty takes 5 more years at RTÉ, though she had said she could only ever commit to 3.

This in in the Sunday Times today, reappointed by Minister Naughten last week.

Her reference to the 3 year term was back in 2014, no problem with a 5 year term this time around.

Before taking up her appointment in 2014, Doherty specifically asked to be given a three-year term, instead of the usual five, noting that she did not like "signing away her life" for too long. "I am by nature nomadic," she said at the time, noting that career breaks were important to maintain creativity.

Elmo

The Cush wrote: »

This in in the Sunday Times today, reappointed by Minister Naughten last week.

Her reference to the 3 year term was back in 2014, no problem with a 5 year term this time around.

Kind of wrong IMO as she was has no been given basically 2 terms without much discussion. Also how many terms can they have?

Nothing on the Dept's website about the appointment.

The Cush

Elmo wrote: »

Kind of wrong IMO as she was has no been given basically 2 terms without much discussion. Also how many terms can they have?

Nothing on the Dept's website about the appointment.

Information leaked early? Official announcement this coming week probably, together with the other 2 vacancies?

I don't recall any terms limits being mentioned, Broadcasting Act should have the information.

Elmo

The Cush wrote: »

Information leaked early? Official announcement this coming week probably, together with the other 2 vacancies?

I don't recall any terms limits being mentioned, Broadcasting Act should have the information.

Seems a lot of info was leaked over on Friday both the Department's plan to reinstate Moya Doherty and the BAI's Monthly meeting.

Broadcasting Act 2009 Section 82 Subsection 6:

A member of the board of a corporation shall not serve more than 2 consecutive terms of office.

Elmo

Quick question:-

What do feel would be acceptable for RTÉ in 2017

Breakeven
profits of less than 20m
profits between 20m - 40m
profits between 40m - 60m
profits over 60m

What do you think they will announce following low advertising sales, redundancies and the sale of land. What else did they do that was significant?

The Cush

Willie O'Reilly, Director of Commercial, the most senior member of staff leaving, by the end of the month.

Also Sheila de Courcy, RTEs Head of Children’s Content.

Dozens of departures from the organisation are scheduled to take place next Friday. The first wave of exits springing from RTɒs recent voluntary redundancy and early retirement scheme - designed to cut its future operational costs - will take place on that date.

At the end of Liveline today, Joe mentioned one of his staff who is leaving today(?) and wished well other staff who were leaving.


https://www.irishtimes.com/business/media-and-marketing/willie-o-reilly-to-leave-rt%C3%A9-1.3320135

Elmo

The Cush wrote: »

Willie O'Reilly, Director of Commercial, the most senior member of staff leaving, by the end of the month.

Also Sheila de Courcy, RTEs Head of Children’s Content.

No real loss to be honest Sheile de Courcy treatment of Children's Content has been abysmal. And Willie O'Reilly blamed everything from Brexit to low DVD sales.

Elmo

Sheila de Courcy, RTɒs head of children’s content, is among those leaving. Ms de Courcy’s department was much-reduced at the start of 2017 when RTÉ cut its in-house production of kids’ television shows and replaced them with programmes made by the independent sector

Good god, do the Irish Times see through PR at all. RTÉ reduced kids' telvision full stop and in 2017 possibly reduced adult productions from Indo producers.

Elmo

Six one & one o'clock news taking a break earlier for Christmas with shorter shows. Today airing a total 6:30.

Never Say Never Again

The late debate is off radio 1 this week too.

brick man

Elmo wrote:

Six one & one o'clock news taking a break earlier for Christmas with shorter shows. Today airing a total 6:30.

Shorter for 3 weeks this year usually 2 weeks

Never Say Never Again

Who will be replacing Willy on the RTE ex board ?

The Cush

Never Say Never Again wrote: »

Who will be replacing Willy on the RTE ex board ?

They normally use Merc to fill senior vacancies, it'll probably be advertised next month - http://www.merc.ie/

The Cush

https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/rt-to-replace-marty-morrissey-in-sport-while-he-is-on-dancing-with-the-stars-36448436.html

From that article in the Indo today

More than 200 staff applied for the voluntary-redundancy package. An estimated 79 staff left in 2017, while more are expected to leave the station this year.

JohnFalstaff

Elmo wrote: »

Likely people to take those jobs

Deputy Director of Content - Sheila DeCourcy
Group Head of Arts and Culture - Niamh O'Connor
Group Head of Drama and Comedy - Jane Gogan
Group Head of Entertainment and Music - Eddie Doyle
Group Head of Factual - ???
Group Head of Commercial Solutions - Bree Tracy

I think its just pushing people around giving them new titles, the advertise the jobs because they have too, otherwise they become even more top heavy with senior staff.

I see Eddie Doyle has exited RTE to join BBCNI. Might be a sign that there is more of a shake-up happening in RTE management than just giving existing staff new titles.

Elmo

JohnFalstaff wrote: »

I see Eddie Doyle has exited RTE to join BBCNI. Might be a sign that there is more of a shake-up happening in RTE management than just giving existing staff new titles.

Perhaps he didn't get what he wanted from RTÉ. Their might be a shake up but little change. Seriously RTÉ2 is repeating Lords and Ladles again for at least they 8th time.

Also Sheila DeCourcy has exited also since I wrote that.

The Cush

The Cush wrote: »

RTÉ begins construction work on new entrance to Montrose

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/media-and-marketing/rt%C3%A9-begins-construction-work-on-new-entrance-to-montrose-1.3285929

Update on the construction of the new entrance on the RTÉ Campus from the Stillorgan Rd.

RTÉ Donnybrook Site Works ( Update)
10th Jan 2018

Last weekend, the RTÉ contractor closed part of the N11 Bus Lane to facilitate works on the pavement and cycle lane. This will remain in place for approximately six weeks.

As a consequence, pedestrians and cyclists will be diverted onto temporary lanes inside the RTÉ boundary.

Also the bus stop outside of the radio building (761) will be closed for the duration of the works. https://www.dublinbus.ie/News-Centre/General-News/Temporary-Stop-Closure-on-Stillorgan-Road/

Next Monday (15th), a new Traffic Management Plan (TMP) will be in operation. There will be contractor staff on site to direct traffic on the first day.

This new TMP allows work to start in the second entrance lane of the new junction. This work will also force the relocation of the disabled park locations to the Radio road parking and the electric vehicle charger will move to the new Radio Car Park.

dublinman1990

There is an article here looking back on the RTE 2025 project from thejournal.ie.

http://www.thejournal.ie/rte-2025-project-montrose-3-3792848-Jan2018/

The Cush

The Cush wrote: »

Fair City set relocation planning permission appealed to An Bord Pleanála [28/07/2017]. Decision by 30 Nov.

http://www.pleanala.ie/casenum/248946.htm
http://www.dublincity.ie/swiftlg/apas/run/WPHAPPDETAIL.DisplayUrl?theApnID=2874/17

An Bord Pleanála decision published today. Order to grant permission with conditions, signed 12th Jan.

Elmo

Geraldine O'Leary now head of Commercial at RTÉ. Bring in the 5th Female on the Executive board.

The Cush

Elmo wrote: »

Bring in the 5th Female on the Executive board.

From the Irish Times

"Ms O’Leary will not be joining the executive board of RTÉ, of which Mr O’Reilly was a member. A spokesman for RTÉ said the role had not always been part of the executive board historically."

Elmo

The Cush wrote: »

From the Irish Times

"Ms O’Leary will not be joining the executive board of RTÉ, of which Mr O’Reilly was a member. A spokesman for RTÉ said the role had not always been part of the executive board historically."

Thanks I was thinking that when I wrote it. I think the HR Executive is the first time that it has been on the Executive board. Will they replace Willie O'Reilly on the Executive board?

Elmo

Niamh O'Connor - deputy director of content
John McHigh - Entertainment and Music
Paul Loughrey - audience channels and marketing

Elmo

Strategy is very wishy washy no real figures on anything

Drama is key... but how much drama or at what cost
Children's is important ... but how important and will it increase funding
Shortbite size video for online audience is Public service .... how short and how much money will be invested

The Cush

Recent aerial pic of RTE's new Stillorgan Road entrance, still under construction

irishfeen

You would have to wonder is there actually need for RTÉ 2 now, they have lost so much sport over the past 10 years and the quality of programming and the viewership has plummeted from their second channel which is full of repeats of average stuff.

Shifting all homemade content and sport to RTÉ One with the introduction of a HD red button channel across all platforms for any overspill stuff would easily do.

I think a new commercial agreement should be made for RTÉ 2, perhaps run by a RTÉ commercial department with no license fee as what happens in the case of BBC channels worldwide with the new station having access to RTÉ Studios and Archieves.

Something needs to change in RTÉ!

Maidhci

irishfeen wrote: »

Something needs to change in RTÉ!

The mentality that has prevailed there for years and years.

Elmo

RTÉ have announced their report into the music groups.

http://www.rte.ie/about/en/press-office/press-releases/2018/0423/956621-rte-publishes-review-of-orchestras/

pretty much reads, we have no money what so please let use either axe the NCO or have it funded by the exchequer. Oh! and we cann't comment on what we'll do with the extra cash!

titan18

Apparently there's strong support among Irish audiences for the orchestras too. Id say most wouldn't care if they were gone

dublinman1990

I just saw this on Twitter Re: RTÉ News & Current Affairs

David Murphy has been appointed Political Coverage Editor for RTÉ. His outgoing position is Business Editor.

https://twitter.com/davidmurphyRTE/status/991335578607276032

Elmo

titan18 wrote: »

Apparently there's strong support among Irish audiences for the orchestras too. Id say most wouldn't care if they were gone

You know RTÉ are trying to ditch both?

The Cush

Robert Shortt elected Staff Member to the Board of RTÉ, replacing Aengus Mac Grianna, who departed in March. His name goes forward to the Minister for approval.

Voting details

Total poll: 842
Spoiled: 2
Total valid poll: 840
Quota for election: 421

First count votes were as follows:
Robert Shortt: 394
Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh: 213
Shirley Dalton: 80
Bernard Lyster: 79
Máirín Uí Chnáimhsí: 74

Cillian de Paor
Returning Officer
8 May 2018

dublinman1990

RTÉ are looking for Media Sales Assistants. I found the vacancy on indeed.ie.

Media Sales Assistants
Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ) - Dublin

RTÉ is Ireland’s foremost public service media organisation, which produces Television, Radio and Online services of the highest quality and ambition. RTÉ now wishes to appoint Multi Media Sales Assistants to work as key members of the RTÉ Commercial Team.

Reporting to the Head of Implementation, the Media Sales Assistants will deliver the deals negotiated with the trading team, and provide best service levels to our customers and maximise short term revenues for RTÉ.

The main responsibilities of the post include:
Chasing for approval and setting up campaigns based upon written approvals from advertising agencies or clients, referring back to agencies and the trading team where campaign approvals do not meet the deal criteria

Checking campaign set up details prior to Auto Booker being run by station management

Booking of guaranteed spots or packages in line with deal parameters

Churning of campaigns post Auto Booker, ensuring that all campaigns are of an acceptable quality before being sent to agencies

Constant monitoring and adjustment of campaigns to ensure that deal parameters and RTÉ Sales policies are being met

As required, advising agencies of short term prices set by station management; referring to the Trading Team for any late approved campaigns for which the agency do not accept the quoted price

Booking of late approved campaigns

Filling and forward filling of available airtime prior to day closing/week closing

Pre-invoice campaign checks and final month end revenue checks with agencies

First stage resolution of accounts queries

Applicants should possess the following:

3rd level qualification in media/broadcasting or business related discipline

Experience in buying/selling traditional and digital media

Experience of campaign planning and execution

Strong administrative experience coupled with the ability to effectively plan and organise

An understanding and awareness of the media market place and the ability to generate new and fresh ideas

Ability to work under pressure within tight timeframes

Strong communication skills both written and verbal

Excellent team player whilst being able to work on own initiative

Strong customer focus and excellent influencing skills

Candidates are invited to submit Curriculum Vitae together with a cover letter outlining your suitability and interest in these roles. Both must be attached as one document in the online application process.

There are 2 positions to be filled on a fixed-term employment contract for a period of one year.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on 29th May 2018.

RTÉ is an equal opportunities employer.

https://candidatemanager.net/cm/p/pJobDetails.aspx?mid=YFBB&sid=BAZFU&jid=GTCXYEVYAZ&a=P4khnrtZtw0%253d

icdg

No more job advertisements please, this isn’t the forum for it

Elmo

New Head of Drama, and the role now includes Comedy. Shane Murphy from UK based Acorn TV, RTÉ have used them for a number of years across a number of TV shows. Don't know what Jane Gogan is doing.

Elmo

Jane Gogan remains as Head of TV Drama overseeing Fair City and Independent Commissions. Bizzare reform to add a manager rather then merging the exiting Head of Comedy with Head of Drama.

Elmo

Sorry for asking this question here, but I didn't want to drag up older threads.

The Cush may know this, when did RTÉ make a proposal to the Minister to Carry Oireachtas TV?

The Cush

Elmo wrote: »

The Cush may know this, when did RTÉ make a proposal to the Minister to Carry Oireachtas TV?

Dec 2015.

political analyst

Why won't RTÉ use the proceeds of the sale of land at Donnybrook to fill the gap in its budget?

Elmo

political analyst wrote: »

Why won't RTÉ use the proceeds of the sale of land at Donnybrook to fill the gap in its budget?

They've done that, sell the silverware won't bridge the gap forever

Elmo

I don't see much difference.

Children's content is at its lowest levels ever with just 3.9 million spent on it in 2017, a 45% decrease from 2016.

Imported content remains steady at 25million an increase of 3 million from last year.

Drama saw a slight rise.

A lose of 6m, have read it in detail but I think that loss include the sale of land, if it does that would mean RTÉ lost 86m!

The Cush

Elmo wrote: »

A lose of 6m, have read it in detail but I think that loss include the sale of land, if it does that would mean RTÉ lost 86m!

Doesn't include the land sale.

RTÉ returned a lower Net Deficit before Exceptional items and Tax of €6.4 million for the year

Exceptional items: Gain on disposal of land, sales-enabling project costs, restructuring and other charges

- Land sale €107.5

- Land Sale Gain less direct transactional costs €104.651m
(Direct sales transaction costs and other related expenditures €2.8m)

- Land Sale Gain less Sales-Enabling Project Costs €99.485m
(*Sales enabling projects €5.166m/2017, a further €3.1m in 2018)

- Corporation Tax on land sale €21.018m

- Net gain after tax of land sale, less sales-enabling project costs €78.5m

- Restructuring charge €29.591m

Total Tax - €21.4m
Net Surplus (incl. land sale, restructuring charge, tax) - €42.1m

Bank Debt (31 Dec 2017) - €49.50m

RTÉ recorded an overall Net Surplus for the year of €42.1 million, including a net gain after tax of €78.5 million from the sale of part of the Donnybrook site, less sales-enabling project costs, and after a large restructuring charge of €29.6 million.

Sales-enabling projects

* The total cost of the sales enabling projects is expected to be €10 million, of which €6.9 million was incurred in 2017. The balance of €3.1 million will be incurred in 2018. Of the €6.9 million in 2017, €5.2 million is charged as an exceptional expense in the Income Statement and the remaining €1.7 million capitalised as assets.

to deliver the lands sold to Cairn Homes plc, a number of sales-enabling projects were required to be carried out to relocate RTÉ activities to another part of the Donnybrook site and as required by the sales transaction. These infrastructural projects included the relocation of the RTÉ creche to facilitate the building of a new site entrance and access junction from the Stillorgan Road (R138) to the RTÉ site, and the relocation of both the RTÉ Sports and Social Club and Fair City lot. The total cost of the sales-enabling projects incurred in 2017 was €6.9 million.

Public Accounts Committee discussion with RTÉ management from early May, prior to the publication of the Annual Report - https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/committee_of_public_accounts/2018-05-03/5/


RTE Opening Statement - https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/committee/dail/32/committee_of_public_accounts/submissions/2018/2018-05-03_rte-opening-statement_en.pdf
RTE Briefing Document for PAC meeting - https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/committee/dail/32/committee_of_public_accounts/submissions/2018/2018-05-03_rte-briefing-document-for-pac-meeting_en.pdf

political analyst

RTÉ should continue broadcasting shows that it imports from the US and which are either still running or are winding-down now or in the near future. But it can save money by putting a moratorium on the purchasing of the rights of any new US drama productions.

I know that many drama shows on the US terrestrial networks are axed after one series or even just after a few episodes and thus never see the light of day on this side of the Atlantic but RTÉ has made some atrocious choices. For example, I'm aware that there was a series called "iZombie", which I never watched but I know from the synopsis that the idea on which the series was created was unadulterated crap!

Elmo

political analyst wrote: »

I know that many drama shows on the US terrestrial networks are axed after one series or even just after a few episodes and thus never see the light of day on this side of the Atlantic but RTÉ has made some atrocious choices. For example, I'm aware that there was a series called "iZombie", which I never watched but I know from the synopsis that the idea on which the series was created was unadulterated crap!

RTÉ buy all programming in packages. iZombie isn't that bad and may not be your choice of viewing, I saw a few episodes it was a pretty standard cop show with a slight twist, a relatively well know cult graphic novel series AFAIK.

IMO RTÉ themselves have already pointed out that these shows even ones in their 15 season (Grey's Anatomy .... which I know is unadulterated crap!) are available on other service. The difference is that Grey's has a prime time slot and promotion but iZombie does not, nor do other better shows than both.

why? https://www.rte.ie/player/ie/search/?q=iZombie
https://www.rte.ie/player/ie/search/?q=suits

yet? https://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/greys-anatomy-1138/10891309/

Not sure if iZombie is on broadcast RTÉ so went with suits, which is currently airing in the twilight zone.

The problem with these shows is as follow

1. Not exclusive - They are available on far more platforms than before
2. Cost has remained the same - even though Ireland was in the middle of a recession
3. Not all available on the Player - Weather due to right (which is a futher blow to their cost price) or capacity (which they are working on)
4. Limited episodes available for catch up, yet watch them again on Netflix and other providers. Few if any boxsets.

Surely if iZombie is so crap and cheap RTÉ should have its back-catalogue as part of the deal for the Player.

political analyst

Elmo wrote: »

RTÉ buy all programming in packages. iZombie isn't that bad and may not be your choice of viewing, I saw a few episodes it was a pretty standard cop show with a slight twist, a relatively well know cult graphic novel series AFAIK.

IMO RTÉ themselves have already pointed out that these shows even ones in their 15 season (Grey's Anatomy .... which I know is unadulterated crap!) are available on other service. The difference is that Grey's has a prime time slot and promotion but iZombie does not, nor do other better shows than both.

why? https://www.rte.ie/player/ie/search/?q=iZombie
https://www.rte.ie/player/ie/search/?q=suits

yet? https://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/greys-anatomy-1138/10891309/

Not sure if iZombie is on broadcast RTÉ so went with suits, which is currently airing in the twilight zone.

The problem with these shows is as follow

1. Not exclusive - They are available on far more platforms than before
2. Cost has remained the same - even though Ireland was in the middle of a recession
3. Not all available on the Player - Weather due to right (which is a futher blow to their cost price) or capacity (which they are working on)
4. Limited episodes available for catch up, yet watch them again on Netflix and other providers. Few if any boxsets.

Surely if iZombie is so crap and cheap RTÉ should have its back-catalogue as part of the deal for the Player.

iZombie was broadcast on RTÉ Two - the first few episodes at around 8 on a Monday night but then it was moved to a graveyard slot.

Elmo

political analyst wrote: »

iZombie was broadcast on RTÉ Two - the first few episodes at around 8 on a Monday night but then it was moved to a graveyard slot.

TBH it was lucky to get a prime slot before getting a graveyard slot. could be wrong but I don't think suits got a prime time slot.

political analyst

Elmo wrote: »

TBH it was lucky to get a prime slot before getting a graveyard slot. could be wrong but I don't think suits got a prime time slot.

Actually, Suits was in prime time on RTÉ Two at first.

Elmo

political analyst wrote: »

Actually, Suits was in prime time on RTÉ Two at first.

What time? Anyway few last at such hours, plenty that never get prime time and others just repeated and repeated.