Dee Forbes banging the RTE TV licence drum again 60m uncollected fee *poll not working - pl ignore*

Yep. I can't argue with any of that.

It is not efficient at the moment but it may offer a way forward for future television production, assuming one could clear out a lot of the dead wood on great terms and conditions above in Dublin.

Some gems in there. She's a master of talking a lot but saying nothing. (With due respect to her current illness preventing her doing either).

"We've taken the revised strategy, looked at it, and on the basis of what we had done, we will now revise that."

"We've been talking to staff, it's complex, a lot to digest, it's a plan that is based on no. of things - to secure RTE for the future, that's why we go to work every day, but has to be a diferent RTE, in current climate, we've had to have a refreshed report, revenue is falling, we've been spending time with stakeholders, there's a lot to talk about, RTE is complex, we have radio tv and online, so we have to get on with it. We're a proud nation of storytellers, that's what is at stake and what has to be nurtured. That's what the plan seeks to achieve."

"Our presenters are ambassadors for RTE and they are very cognisant of the role they play, they are valuable to RTE and also to the nation. But I agree that people find it difficult on pay, but we have a big job to do and future proof what the world thinks RTE should be. This strategy is about putting RTE on a stable financial path..."

She says one thing though that nobody could argue with (and this was 4 years ago):

"RTE cannot stay as it is. That is the majority internal view."

Eamon Ryan stonewalled when repeatedly pressed about which of the funding models for broadcasting he favoured on This Week earlier. Kept deflecting about the importance of making a call "in the first half of 2024". Didn't sound like they're anywhere near a decision tbh...

Ordinarily, I would have expected an attempt by the government to buy the next GE by abolishing the licence fee and implementing some kind of direct funding but the Immigration issue has become a much higher priority for the government and it may end the political careers of a lot of the current politicians. This makes RTE somewhat more valuable to the government so some laxity by RTE in the imposition of any rationalisation should be expected. The decision may be dumped on the next government. Any sign of Forbes yet?

Regards...jmcc

In a country with a population of 4 and a half million, getting 41,000 viewers for a programme isn't too bad.

I assumed it would be understood I was referring to the Republic, given that RTÉ is funded by licence fee payers in that jurisdiction.

Just to point out that View figures are complied by different companies BARB in the UK and TAMI in Ireland. Nothing to do with the License fee.

Can't believe 2FM gets a young audience. Do kids even listen to radio anymore, nevermind 2FM?

If it's making money though,like every other radio station in the country they might as well keep it. It usually costs millions to keep it going however.

Seems to me Bakhurst is determined to maintain the status quo. No sign of a rationalisation plan and looking forward to a new funding model from Government.

I suppose when 2FM is getting between €1 to €3 euros* out every license fee every year you'd consider that 2FM is making money. It's great to be able to make money and then receive a top up from public funding to balance your books. I wonder why 2FM needs such funding.

I mean if Kevin Bakhurst the "DIRECTOR GENERAL" says that 2FM is money making then it must be the case that it is also getting a yuff audience. I think he heard it from Dee Forbes, and possibly had a convo with Moya Doherty about it all, both of them would agree its profit making and a clear avenue to Yuff audiences. We shall say no more and agree in their absolute infallibility.

*2FM has been in receipt of license fee funding since 2011, in 2022 it got €2.60 from every licence up from €2.49 in 2021.

Perhaps last year Mr Bakhurst cut the license fee funding to the station in 2023 and cut its costs.

speaking of dee...has she resurfaced yet? or is it still all a bit like the hunt for red october?

So, the TV licence is to be replaced with a €15 monthly levy on broadband bills. This means RTE gets €20 extra a month per payee and no avoidance of payment. This should mean no more government bail outs? But will this actually be the case? Thoughts on this new development?

Tomorrow's SBP, their sub-headline says one of 3 options being looked at is a €15 monthly levy on all Broadband bills.

This government never fails to amaze me in their idiocy.

There will be all levels of protest if they try to stick €15 on to broadband bills to keep crooked RTÉ afloat.

Yes or those using their mobile as a hotspot.