25% hike in budget sought for independent TG4

TG4 should have its annual budget increased by 25% to €50 million once it gains independence, the chief executive of the Irish language television station said yesterday.

Pól Ó Gallchóir told the Oireachtas Communications Committee that an increased budget would be needed to maintain the status and integrity of the station as an independent entity in the future.

At present, TG4 receives about €30 million in direct payments from central Government as well as the equivalent of €10 million in programming content from RTÉ.