Viewers prepared to pay for RTÉ

THE average Irish household would be prepared to pay more for RTE's services each year than they currently do, a surprising new survey has found.

Despite a barrage of criticism about its performance in recent times, and grumbling about recent licence fee increases, the survey findings indicate that people generally remain favourably disposed towards the national public service broadcaster.

The survey found that the average household would be willing to pay €180 a year for RTE's services, which include television and radio stations, other media such as the RTE Guide and Aertel, and performing groups such as the National Symphony Orchestra.