RTE’s annual report for 2023 has recorded a 9.1 million euro deficit.
It covers a challenging year for Ireland’s national broadcaster with intense scrutiny after a series of governance and financial scandals.
The deficit increase has been attributed to a decline in TV licence revenues and an increase in operating costs and the broadcast of special events including the World Cup and the visit of US President Joe Biden.
Terence O’Rourke, chairman of the RTE board, said the panel is focused on work which is “well under way” to transform the organisation.
“With the support of the multi-annual funding commitment announced by Government in July, RTE is moving forward with an ambitious new five-year strategy,” he said.
“The board is dedicated to ensuring that this work is underpinned by the highest standards of corporate governance and transparency.”
RTE director-general Kevin Bakhurst said 2023 was a difficult year for all at RTE and the people who placed their trust in the broadcaster.
“In response, through wide-ranging and significant reforms, I, along with my leadership team and the board of RTE, have faced the key issues head on and been committed to delivering the transformation RTE needs to rebuild trust and restore confidence, both internally and externally,” he said.
Kevin Bakhurst (Brian Lawless/PA)
“Through an unprecedented reform agenda, we have delivered greater transparency, rigour in our decision-making and more financial discipline, while focusing on the future and fulfilling our ambition for RTE.
“We are grateful to all those who have paid their TV licence during this period.”
He added: “While we remain committed to addressing key issues, through the delivery of our five-year strategy, we are excited about what the future can be for RTE.
“We are thankful for the multi-annual Government funding which will enable us to plan ahead and to achieve our vision to evolve RTE into an organisation that is relevant and cherished, that brings the country together for important national moments and events, that produces important and engaging public service programmes and content, that delivers value for money, and is trusted again.”