Independent producers warn RTÉ funding reduction could affect Irish programmes

RTÉ’s planned public funding for 2027 has been reduced by €20 million from a three-year agreement, prompting a warning on Friday, 9 October, from Screen Producers Ireland that independent television producers and audiences in Ireland could be affected. The government has set the broadcaster’s allocation at €240 million instead of the €260 million previously planned.

Screen Producers Ireland chief executive Susan Kirby told RTÉ’s Late Debate that the change undermined the multi-year commitment agreed in 2024. She said difficult decisions at the broadcaster were likely to affect the independent production sector and viewers. Her warning concerns possible consequences of the funding decision; specific cancelled programmes or reduced services have not been announced in the reporting by RTÉ News and TheJournal.ie.

How much funding was planned for RTÉ in 2027?

The three-year arrangement provided for €225 million in 2025, €240 million in 2026 and €260 million in 2027, a total of €725 million, according to TheJournal.ie. The 2027 allocation announced in the budget is €240 million. That matches the amount set for 2026 but is €20 million below the amount scheduled for next year under the earlier arrangement.

Media Minister Patrick O’Donovan disputes the description of the decision as a cut because the 2027 allocation is the same as this year’s. RTÉ director-general Kevin Bakhurst says the government has failed to honour the written agreement reached in 2024. The disagreement therefore turns partly on whether the comparison is with the current year’s allocation or the previously planned 2027 figure, TheJournal.ie reported.

Why the government and RTÉ disagree over reform

O’Donovan said the lower allocation reflected dissatisfaction with RTÉ’s progress on reforms, particularly its effort to become a smaller organisation. He acknowledged progress on some issues but said he had not seen sufficient movement toward the smaller, more agile operation sought under the broadcaster’s strategy. Bakhurst rejected the assertion that reform had been slow.

In an email to staff on Wednesday, Bakhurst said the funding decision was unexpected and would inevitably affect RTÉ’s ability to deliver its five-year strategy, RTÉ News reported. TheJournal.ie reported his claims that the broadcaster had implemented around 90% of recommendations from an expert advisory committee and that almost 100 people had left the organisation.

The strategy included a reduction of up to 400 staff by 2029, alongside plans for more Irish drama, live sport, digital services and programmes commissioned from independent producers, according to TheJournal.ie. The outlet reported that RTÉ’s annual report recorded 67 voluntary-exit departures in 2025, although more than 300 employees applied. Average employee numbers rose from 1,962 in 2024 to 1,994 in 2025.

Why independent producers are concerned

Kirby said members of Screen Producers Ireland make programmes including The Traitors, Normal People, First Dates and Dancing with the Stars. The group represents independent film and television producers. Her concern is that pressure on RTÉ’s budget could reach the companies that make programmes for the broadcaster, as well as the audiences those programmes serve.

Describing the wider creative screen sector as a significant employer, Kirby estimated it supports about 16,000 full-time-equivalent jobs. She cited an overall economic contribution of about €540 million in 2025 and roughly €1 billion in gross value added. Those are Kirby’s estimates, reported by RTÉ News; they do not establish the number of jobs or the amount of production spending that this funding decision will affect.

TheJournal.ie reported that media regulator Coimisiún na Meán said the budget fell short of the funding previously outlined and that it would engage with RTÉ to assess effects on services and commitments to audiences. The National Union of Journalists also criticised the decision. Its general secretary, Laura Davison, said RTÉ should not have to fear future government funding reductions.

What happens after the funding talks?

After meeting O’Donovan, Bakhurst described their discussion as ‘extremely constructive’ and said RTÉ would continue working with department officials to seek a resolution, TheJournal.ie reported. Asked whether RTÉ would receive the money, he said he did not know. His description of the meeting did not settle the dispute over the 2027 allocation.

The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport said the minister had heard concerns from Bakhurst and RTÉ chair Terence O’Rourke, who gave assurances about the delivery and timing of reforms. It said engagement would continue over the following weeks. TheJournal.ie also reported that RTÉ and the department had been called before the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, with a hearing due later in October.

Whether the €20 million will be restored remains unresolved. RTÉ News has reported Kirby’s warning about potential effects, while TheJournal.ie has reported the continuing talks; neither has established which programmes, jobs or services RTÉ might change. The outcome for independent producers and audiences depends on decisions still to be made by the broadcaster and government.