RTÉ: Budget and Broadcasting Act are to blame for €16.8m net deficit

RTÉ has blamed measures introduced by the Government in the 2010 budget for its deteriorating financial position after the state broadcaster reported a net deficit of almost €16.8m last year.

RTÉ chairman Tom Savage claimed the station would have reported a small surplus for 2011, but for the impact of the budget and other measures arising from the enactment of the Broadcasting Act 2009, which is costing RTÉ an estimated €18m in revenue per annum.

RTÉ’s financial situation deteriorated sharply last year as it recorded falling revenue from advertising and TV licence fees.