RTÉ funding decision rewards bad practice, Virgin Media chief says

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

A Government funding plan for RTÉ is a reward for “inefficiency and all-round bad practice”, a rival commercial broadcaster has said.

Virgin Media Television will be reviewing its public service broadcasting commitments after RTÉ was provided with €725 million in funding over three years, its managing director Áine Ní Chaoindealbháin said.

The RTÉ funding plan announced by Minister for Media Catherine Martin was agreed by Cabinet on Wednesday and will provide a mix between direct exchequer funding and the existing TV licence fee.

However, Ms Ní Chaoindealbháin said Virgin Media Television was “extremely disappointed” the government had decided not to financially recognise and support its public service broadcasting remit.

She said: “Not only does today’s announcement disregard our 25-year record of delivering extensive public service content and the 93 per cent of the population that we reach on an annual basis, it also further distorts the market.

“RTÉ will now be in a more dominant position than ever before where it will receive a guaranteed €725 million from the taxpayer over the next three years while continuing to benefit from the largest share of commercial revenue.

“In short, it is a reward for inefficiency and all-round bad practice.”

Ms Ní Chaoindealbháin added: “In view of the decision Virgin Media Television has no alternative but to review all options including our position with regards to our existing public service broadcasting commitments.”