RTE Authority to defer decision on restructuring plan

The RTÉ Authority yesterday deferred deciding on a restructuring plan until a meeting next Thursday week, writes Arthur Beesley

The controlling body of the State broadcaster met yesterday for two and a half hours to discuss a report on reorganisation options compiled by consulting groups KPMG and Logical. It also discussed a separate report by property advisers HOK, which assessed the possibility of selling up to 10 acres of land at RTÉ's 32-acre headquarters in south Dublin.

The authority is likely to introduce management changes initially, with any decision on the sale of land a longer-term option subject to Government approval.

Options on the table suggest that the television, radio and news divisions will be separated under discrete management teams, whose performance will be measured by key indicators. Through this and the publication of separated accounts, the company aims to foster greater accountability.

With a €70.9 million deficit last year, RTÉ has sought a €45 rise in the licence fee. It is understood the report by KPMG and Logical said the losses would persist even if all the restructuring and cost-cutting options were undertaken.