RTÉ Player earned almost €5m in ad revenue in 2020 despite complaints from users 

A series of emails to RTÉ, released under Freedom of Information at the end of last year, saw viewers complain about the service stalling, crashing or not working at all, as well as ads looping instead of the programme itself playing, and branding it a 'frustrating' service. File picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

RTÉ earned almost €5m in advertising revenue from its streaming player in 2020, despite the State broadcaster previously admitting it would likely cost "several million" in investment to bring it into line with international best standards.

The RTÉ Player, whose poor performance has been repeatedly criticised by users and Oireachtas members, earned €4.945m from spot advertising over that 12-month period, RTÉ's head of public affairs Vivienne Flood revealed.