RTÉ has decided to make changes to how it produces young people’s programmes. After an examination of all output, itplansto commission all young people’s programmes from the independent sector. RTÉ believes that this will allow itto meet its statutory committed spend in the sector and reduce operating costs internally. RTÉ isnot reducing its commitment to young peoples programmes.
RTÉ’s offering for young people has traditionally been made up of a range of in-house programmes, independently produced programmes and animations. RTÉ remains fully committed to delivering original Irish content for young people, and this decision means that RTÉ is now fully investing its young peoples programme budget in the independent sector, allowing independent production companies and animation companies to pitch new ideas and programmes for delivery to their youngest viewers.
RTÉ will be issuing a call out to the independent sector for young people's contentin the new year. Screen Producers Ireland will arrange a follow up meeting with RTÉ to discuss this transition and their overall strategy for the sector.