RTÉ

Seán McCárthaigh, in The Times (Ireland edition) reports:

RTE has warned that it will remain financially challenged unless there is reform of its public funding model after reporting a loss of €2.8 million last year.

Managers at the national broadcaster, which reported a net surplus of €0.2 million in 2014, have expressed concern at its deteriorating financial position.

RTE blamed last year’s losses on flat income from licence fees combined with the €5 million reduction in state funding in the 2014 budget and exchange rate fluctuations.

It said that cost pressures had caused its finances to slip into the red, despite commercial revenue growth of 4 per cent during 2015, and an emphasis on keeping operating costs under control.

Moya Doherty, the chairwoman, said the resolution of the issues of a national media charge and licence fee evasion would be key to the broadcaster’s funding.

RTE calls for fee reform after €2.8m loss (The Times Ireland edition)