THE FINANCIAL WOES at RTÉ were laid bare last week as it announced a major restructuring plan that will seek to reduce its costs by €60 million over the next three years with the axe set to fall on a number of areas.
At the weekend, the Irish Times reported that the broadcaster’s live coverage of political party conferences and ardfheiseanna was raised as something that could be abolished to save money.
RTÉ broadcasts the conferences from the main political parties and also features the speeches made by party leaders in a live primetime slot. Last weekend saw Labour’s annual event, and this weekend will see the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis.
It also reported that RTÉ News and Current Affairs managing director Jon Williams suggested in private that this move could save €250,000. An RTÉ spokesperson said it wasn’t ceasing political party conference coverage but intends to review the live coverage of such events.
So, what do you think? Should RTÉ abolish its live coverage of political party conferences?
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