RTÉ’s annual report for 2023 has recorded a €9.1 million deficit.
It covers a challenging year for the 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 RTÉ 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, RTÉ 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.”
RTÉ director-general Kevin Bakhurst said 2023 was a difficult year for all at RTÉ 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 RTÉ, have faced the key issues head on and been committed to delivering the transformation RTÉ needs to rebuild trust and restore confidence, both internally and externally,” he said.
“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 RTÉ.
“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 RTÉ.
“We are thankful for the multi-annual Government funding which will enable us to plan ahead and to achieve our vision to evolve RTÉ 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.”
