RTÉ looks to offset ad losses with licence fee hike

RTÉ is seeking an increase in the TV licence fee, despite predictions by the station’s management that it will break even financially this year.

The Irish Examiner has learnt that RTÉ has requested the Government to sanction an increase on the current €160 fee for 2010, even though an agreed formula for granting such increases is largely based on this year’s inflation figures which are likely to prove negative.

RTÉ’s request for a hike in the licence fees comes as TDs and senators yesterday called for a re-examination of six-figure salaries paid to RTÉ broadcasters given the station is facing a €68 million revenue deficit in 2009.