RTÉ to pay price of cuts to TG4

RTÉ will have to pick up the tab for a €6.2 million reduction in Exchequer funding to TG4 on foot of measures outlined in Budget 2011.

The national broadcaster must make up the shortfall from its licence fee income, although it is considered unlikely it will apply to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) for a licence fee hike.

Yesterday an RTE spokesperson said budgetary plans were currently being finalised for 2011 “against a very difficult backdrop” and that the requirement to provide additional funds to TG4 would mean further reductions to the national broadcaster’s income.