RTÉ News crews do not include lighting operators, gangers and acolytes

CAL HYLAND (Letters, March 7) complains that RTÉ News has journalists reporting “from anonymous sites around Dublin” and that these “outside broadcasts are mini-jollies” which necessitate “movement of equipment, sound people, lighting people, camera people, assorted gangers and acolytes”.

Mr Hyland is misinformed.

Perhaps he is thinking of the BBC or other larger, more traditional organisations. It is many years since RTÉ has had lighting operators on routine news assignments.

RTÉ News crews are one cameraperson working with the reporter. On occasion the reporter operates his or her own camera as a video journalist. Only for big events would any additional personnel be required.

When we wish to broadcast live from a location we send a satellite vehicle which is normally operated by one person.

There are no lighting people, gangers or acolytes. RTÉ’s public service remit is to provide fair and impartial news to our audiences and we strive to achieve this in an economical way without compromising on quality.

Carolyn Fisher

Senior Press Officer

RTÉ News and Current

Affairs

RTÉ Television

Donnybrook

Dublin 4