RTÉ, the national broadcaster, has sparked controversy with its latest plans to boost spending on independent production by a hefty €23 million over the next two years. The broadcaster is poised to outsource renowned programmes like the Late Late Show and Fair City, resulting in a significant increase in its expenditure on external programming. It’s projected to surge from €47 million in 2024 to a whopping €70 million by 2026. This decision is conceived as part of the plan to cut 400 jobs at RTÉ, with 40 of them to go this year. A voluntary redundancy scheme is also part of the plan and is expected to cost a sizable €50 million.
Many RTÉ employees are outraged and accuse Kevin Bakhurst, the director-general, of paving the road for privatisation, particularly following the concealed payment scandal involving Ryan Tubridy. The workers seem to feel they’re absorbing the blow for excessive mismanagement and waste, the brunt of which is falling on them.
Independent producers, however, are delighted with the prospect of key shows becoming available in the open market. The programme brand available with a license enhances the ease of the transition, as most chat shows are pre-recorded and can be shot anywhere – from London’s West End to the heart of New York.
The pressure is on the producer to uphold the high standard that has been set by RTÉ regardless of where the shows are produced. Examples of potential filming locations for the Late Late Show include the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin’s docklands and Vicar Street on Thomas Street.
Production companies in contention to acquire the famous show include BiggerStage, led by Pat Kiely, former Virgin Media Television Chief, who currently produces audience shows in Ireland for American networks. Other potential companies include Shinawil, responsible for Dancing with the Stars and GreenInc, the creators of Crime Call. The Late Late Show presenter, Patrick Kielty, co-founded GreenInc but is no longer associated with the company.
The first TV figure stated, however, that Kielty’s role would be pivotal and suggested he would likely have a significant influence over who gets to produce the show, or at the very least, who forms the senior production team.
Tune in to our Inside Politics podcast for the finest commentary and breakdown in the world of politics.