In response to the evolving situation at RTÉ, Screen Producers Ireland CEO Susan Kirby has issued the following statement to media:
“Screen Producers Ireland (SPI) represents the independent production sector, the largest creative partner and supplier of programming to RTÉ. Our members are based all over Ireland, working across diverse genres including factual, entertainment, children’s programmes, documentary, animation, and drama, and critically as SMEs, they provide valuable employment within the sector.
Our members are dismayed at the revelations about governance and transparency of financial reporting and accountability standards at RTÉ. Of major concern to them is how these issues may impact the funding for independent production. Nothing must be allowed to harm the broadcaster’s ability to continue supporting the independent sector’s production of high-quality content for Irish audiences.
In our public statements, regular Oireachtas appearances, and interactions with Government Ministers and officials, SPI has consistently supported the efforts RTÉ has been making to put its finances on a stable footing. In addition, even under the recent pressures of significant constraints, cuts to production budgets, and high inflation, our members have continued to produce impactful and culturally relevant content of the highest quality for RTÉ.
Against this background, we are gravely concerned at what is now emerging. Screen Producers Ireland has sought a meeting with the RTÉ Board and with the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media, and Department officials to discuss the steps needed to make necessary changes to improve transparency and governance within RTÉ.
SPI believes in the crucial importance and power of public service media in Ireland, and the essential role it can play for the Irish public. We also believe that it should be funded to provide the level of high-quality content that Irish audiences deserve, and that transparency is key for the relationship between the two to flourish. Now is the time for RTÉ to galvanise itself and ensure transparency across its operation. Public trust has been destroyed; steps must be taken urgently to rebuild this and profoundly change the culture within which RTÉ operates.”
ENDS
For media queries please contact:
Orlaith FitzGerald, Communications Manager
087 262 3726