O’Callaghan’s media firm goes back in the black with profits of over €15k

The media firm owned by RTÉ broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan was back in the black last year after seeing a positive swing of €29,718.

New accounts filed by Ms O’Callaghan’s Baby Blue Productions Ltd to the Companies Office show it was sitting on accumulated profits of €15,760 at the end of December.

This follows the firm having an accumulated loss of €13,958 at the end of 2012. Its fortunes were helped by Ms O’Callaghan receiving €211,167 in pay from RTÉ in 2013.

Figures released by RTÉ last year confirm that the mother-of-eight was the station’s fifth best paid broadcaster in 2011, though she has seen her pay slashed by 36% in recent years.

The Prime Time presenter pocketed €211,167 for 2013 — a dramatic fall off from the €307,250 received in 2011.

The broadcaster’s wages are paid through Baby Blue Productions Ltd as she holds the status of an independent contractor with RTÉ.

The firm’s cash last year reduced from €25,505 to nil, while it had €60,175in debts due. The amount owed to creditors within one year last year increased from €40,894 to €54,658.

The firm owed €23,393 in Vat, €7,929 in PAYE/ PRSI, and corporation tax of €732.

Last year’s performance continued an improvement in the fortunes of the firm as the company, at the end of 2011, had accumulated losses of €59,079.

On RTÉ’s pay levels, Ms O’Callaghan said last year: “I don’t think there’s too much said about RTÉ’s high-paid presenters. We live in Ireland and times are very tough for people.

“I think it’s absolutely fair and legitimate. I can understand people saying people are paid too much inside RTÉ. Particularly, if you’re just trying to exist. All I ever say is, I didn’t go into journalism for money.

She added: “I was the first to take a pay cut. My lifestyle hasn’t been affected. I’m really lucky and know loads of people have no jobs.”