RTÉ hails year of recovery

RTÉ’s strategy of producing quality Irish-produced programmes resulted in a strong recovery in its finances and an increase in audience share, its director general said yesterday.

In his first comprehensive briefing since becoming director general, Cathal Goan said that 2004 had been a good year for RTÉ.

Admitting that the broadcaster had gone through a rough period over the past few years, Mr Goan stressed that RTÉ’s focus was firmly on producing quality Irish programming.

In a joint briefing with RTÉ’s director of finances Conor Hayes and director of television Noel Curran, Mr Goan said the broadcaster would maintain its remit as a not-for-profit organisation and a public service broadcaster.

“We are working in a changing environment and there is more competition.

“We need to focus and target our audiences. It’s important to maintain our not- for-profit status. We are not simply a bottom-line organisation,” said Mr Goan.

Mr Hayes pointed out the broadcaster had invested an additional €30 million in Irish productions last year, on the back of a stronger financial performance.

Pointing out the pitfalls of experimenting with new talent and ideas, Mr Curran said it occasionally produces results that are wince-inducing. However, he added the vast majority of new series had won significant audience share.