EBU Criticises €20 Million Cut to RTÉ Funding

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has criticised the Irish Government’s decision to reduce agreed public funding for national broadcaster RTÉ by €20 million in 2027, warning that the move could undermine financial stability and long-term planning across Ireland’s public service media sector.

The Government had committed to a three-year funding package worth €725 million for 2025–2027, combining television licence fee revenue with additional funding from general taxation. Under the original agreement, RTÉ was expected to receive €260 million in 2027. However, the allocation has been reduced to €240 million, bringing it into line with the funding provided for 2026.

The EBU said RTÉ had made financial and programming commitments in good faith based on the original settlement, including agreements with independent producers and investment in Irish drama, live sport and digital services. It argued that withdrawing funding in the final year of the agreement leaves the broadcaster facing additional financial pressure.

The organisation also highlighted the potential implications for independent production companies and the wider creative sector. Screen Producers Ireland has warned that the reduction could affect programme commissioning and audiences, with consequences for jobs and investment across the country’s television industry.

The EBU has also raised concerns about funding for TG4, Ireland’s Irish-language public service broadcaster, which has not received an increase in its allocation for 2027. The organisation said the absence of a multi-year funding settlement makes it harder for TG4 to plan programming and investment, creating uncertainty for independent producers.

The EBU pointed to European Media Freedom Act requirements for EU member states to establish funding arrangements that provide public service media with adequate, sustainable and predictable resources. It also noted that Ireland spent 0.07% of GDP on public service media in 2025, compared with an EU average of 0.14%.

The EBU has urged the Irish Government to honour its original commitment to RTÉ and introduce a multi-year funding settlement for TG4. RTÉ and the Government have continued discussions following the announcement, with the broadcaster seeking clarity on the impact of the reduction and the delivery of its longer-term strategy.