Restoring Trust and Credibility at RTÉ: A Public-Centric Approach

The recent public outcry against RTÉ is partly fueled by the deep connection so many people feel towards the broadcasting network. It’s not just a media outlet, but a part of their identity.

However, this bond has been strained, and some believe it has been taken for granted or even exploited, triggering a strong reaction. It feels like a raw nerve has been exposed.

Fortunately, the new director general, Kevin Bakhurst, has shown sensitivity in addressing the collapse of confidence. By stepping down the board, he sends a powerful message of a fresh start.

Bakhurst is committed to transparency and prioritizing the feedback of staff. However, the organization’s future will largely depend on how those questioned during Dáil committees respond to critical unanswered questions.

To rebuild trust, it is crucial to publish full salaries and establish a register of interests for both staff and contractors. Most importantly, a cultural change is needed, refocusing on the people RTÉ serves and the public it represents.

The main challenge lies in finding a balance between RTÉ’s role as a public broadcaster and maintaining a healthy commercial revenue stream. A failure to navigate these complexities in recent years has led to a loss of identity and a drift from the organization’s mission.

When priorities become blurred or distorted, it inevitably leads to serious problems, as we have witnessed. It is crucial to honor core commitments when a license fee and taxpayer funding are involved, with commercial interests serving the public broadcasting remit, not vice versa.

Many details regarding RTÉ’s spending for commercial clients and certain staff members remain unaccounted for. The revelation of Ryan Tubridy’s payments also needs to be fully addressed. The criticism of management and governance at the national broadcaster is justified, and it goes beyond mere curiosity or schadenfreude. Ensuring the preservation of core values and restoring trust and credibility are vital in the face of the threats posed by fake news in our current era.