Mayor of Waterford Pat Hayes says he is “appalled” over any suggestions RTÉ might close its studio in the city and cover the southeast region from Dublin.
Mr Hayes has called for RTÉ to retain its studios and its correspondent in the southeast, Damien Tiernan.
Waterford is one of four regional studios facing an uncertain future as a result of cutbacks announced by RTÉ director general Noel Curran last month. The other studios are in Athlone, Sligo and Dundalk.
A number of scenarios are being considered, including the closure of the studios, with the staff relocating to Dublin or taking redundancy; moves to a cheaper studio, or the retention of a correspondent without a studio.
Mr Curran announced at the end of last month there would be a reduction in regional spending, and decisions on the issue will be made in the next quarter.
The regional spend in RTÉ is estimated at between €20 million and €25 million and includes Lyric FM in Limerick and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, based in Connemara.
Mr Hayes said half a million people lived in the southeast and were deserving of the retention of a studio and correspondent.
“RTÉ has to make up its mind whether it is a national broadcaster or not. We need RTÉ to come here and service the needs that we have in the region, not just coming in when something happens here. That’s not good enough,” he said.
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