RTÉ land sale and restructuring [Merged]

The Cush

Sunday Indo reporting today, about 200 RTÉ employees have applied for redundancy under the schemes, short of the 250-300 management were hoping for. Formal offers will be made to approved applicants next Friday, October 27th, they will then have two weeks to accept their offer.

Elmo

The Cush wrote: »

Sunday Indo reporting today, about 200 RTÉ employees have applied for redundancy under the schemes, short of the 250-300 management were hoping for. Formal offers will be made to approved applicants next Friday, October 27th, they will then have two weeks to accept their offer.

Quite surprised was hoping it would be lower, really lucky for management. I'd say RTÉ overstated 250 - 300, they got the numbers they wanted. IMO. I am sure they could prob get it to 50 more by end of 2018, getting them out in 2017 helps the financial year for the AR.

The Cush

Elmo wrote: »

IMO. I am sure they could prob get it to 50 more by end of 2018, getting them out in 2017 helps the financial year for the AR.

Their HR Director said in the days before the closing date that there won't be a better offer once the scheme closed, unlikely it'll be reopened next year.

Elmo

The Cush wrote: »

Their HR Director said in the days before the closing date that there won't be a better offer once the scheme closed, unlikely it'll be reopened next year.

I know, that's not what I am saying. RTÉ's plan is to make both the 2017 and 2018 AR look good. By letting 200 people go before the end of this year they can capture both their departure and the sale of land.

The 50 extra employees that they might let go of in 2018 will again help the AR in 2018. This may not be on the same terms and conditions provided in 2017 and won't be as good.

The management at RTÉ are just looking at there end of year financial with little due regard to the licence fee payer and their audience, not to mention their own staff.

Joe Duffy.

Sure they are now paying Rick o shea and will Leahy to do stand alone shows on rte gold, a channel that has probably only 100 listener's, what a waste of tax payers money

byte

I like RTÉ Gold, but can only listen on the internet radio. It'd be nice if it was on FM, replace RnaG, who I'd imagine has even less listeners and move RnaG to MW.

Elmo

byte wrote: »

I like RTÉ Gold, but can only listen on the internet radio. It'd be nice if it was on FM, replace RnaG, who I'd imagine has even less listeners and move RnaG to MW.

Look RnaG isn't moving, no one suggesting that either GOLD or 2XM takeover phantom's old FM spot in Dublin.

Phat Dick

Is it just me or does Dee Forbes come across as a bit of a Nincompoop?

Elmo

Phat Dick wrote: »

Is it just me or does Dee Forbes come across as a bit of a Nincompoop?

She has done very little, much like her predecessors. She is disappointing really, their was a hope that someone outside RTÉ might shake things up, all she really has done is to cut budgets, sell land, cut jobs ... she's just following on from what was their before.

Maidhci

Elmo wrote: »

She has done very little, much like her predecessors. She is disappointing really, their was a hope that someone outside RTÉ might shake things up, all she really has done is to cut budgets, sell land, cut jobs ... she's just following on from what was their before.

Obviously, no one ever thought that she would be anything else - she, similar to her predecessors have been constrained by the union culture that has always prevailed within RTÉ. Until they come to terms with that problem we will always have a second rate inefficient and bureaucratic broadcaster, funded principally by licence fee, as advertising revenues will rise and fall, based on ratings. Unfortunately, there is no rating system in place to justify the licence fee revenue!

Elmo

Maidhci wrote: »

Elmo wrote: »

She has done very little, much like her predecessors. She is disappointing really, their was a hope that someone outside RTÉ might shake things up, all she really has done is to cut budgets, sell land, cut jobs ... she's just following on from what was their before.

Obviously, no one ever thought that she would be anything else - she, similar to her predecessors have been constrained by the union culture that has always prevailed within RTÉ. Until they come to terms with that problem we will always have a second rate inefficient and bureaucratic broadcaster, funded principally by licence fee, as advertising revenues will rise and fall, based on ratings. Unfortunately, there is no rating system in place to justify the licence fee revenue!

She might have said not to increases in the top earners, she might have retained funding for children's tv, she might have reduced the spend on international programming, she might have re-introduced a news programme on RTÉ2... but suppose when you take 50,000 in moving expenses you can always blame the unions!

The Cush

RTÉ begins construction work on new entrance to Montrose

https://twitter.com/IrishTimesLaura/status/928959273131966466

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/media-and-marketing/rt%C3%A9-begins-construction-work-on-new-entrance-to-montrose-1.3285929


post image link

The crèche has moved to Montrose House and the old crèche, the building on the right in the picture will be demolished to make way for the new entrance. Due for completion in early 2018.

On the redundancy schemes, RTÉ employees whose applications to the scheme have been approved have until today to accept the offer. Two employees who has said publically that they won't be leaving are Des Cahill (57) and SO'R roving reporter Paddy O'Gorman (60).

The Cush

The Cush wrote: »

On the redundancy schemes, RTÉ employees whose applications to the scheme have been approved have until today to accept the offer. Two employees who has said publically that they won't be leaving are Des Cahill (57) and SO'R roving reporter Paddy O'Gorman (60).

Aengus Mac Grianna (53) to leave RTÉ next March - https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2017/1112/919457-aengus-magrianna-to-hang-up-the-microphone-in-march/

Separately, RTÉ Sport's Robbie Irwin retired recently

Elmo

The Cush wrote: »

Aengus Mac Grianna (53) to leave RTÉ next March - https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2017/1112/919457-aengus-magrianna-to-hang-up-the-microphone-in-march/

Separately, RTÉ Sport's Robbie Irwin retired recently

Interesting to see at least 4 empty seats at the board table and nothing from the Department to hire new board members, Moya Doherty had suggested just serving 3 years, no Chairperson!!!

Member First Appointed Term-End Date
Moya Doherty 4/11/2014 3/11/2017
Fergus Armstrong 4/11/2014 3/11/2017
Deborah Kelleher 4/11/2014 3/11/2017
Aengus MacGrianna ** 4/11/2014 3/11/2019


** Just left RTÉ, Employee rep on board. I assume he is not part of the redundancy package as he is leaving in March.

The Cush

Elmo wrote: »

** Just left RTÉ, Employee rep on board. I assume he is not part of the redundancy package as he is leaving in March.

It was said most will be leaving by the end of the year, but not all, who have accepted the offer. There appears to be flexibility depending on requirements.

Elmo

The Cush wrote: »

It was said most will be leaving by the end of the year, but not all, who have accepted the offer. There appears to be flexibility depending on requirements.

Seems strange you'd have thought they'd want to be making this part of their AR 2017. Will he stay on as Employee Rep until his term finishes? Still nothing on new board members.

The Cush

Elmo wrote: »

Moya Doherty had suggested just serving 3 years, no Chairperson!!!

She's continues as Chairperson it appears, on the recent death of RTÉ journalist and TV producer Kevin Dawson, she offered condolences as Chair on behalf of the Board.

Reappointed probably, just not announced yet.

Elmo

The Cush wrote: »

Reappointed probably, just not announced yet.

Well why not announce it, ffs. Messy 3 year appointment TBH.

The Cush

Elmo wrote: »

Will he stay on as Employee Rep until his term finishes?

Can't see why not as he's still an employee, gives them a few months to elect a new staff rep.

The Cush

Elmo wrote: »

Well why not announce it, ffs.

I was just speculating, no idea if this is the actual case.

Elmo wrote: »

Messy 3 year appointment TBH.

To ensure continuity from one board to the next, appointees' terms were staggered. The new appointees I assume will serve a full 5 year term.

The Cush

RTÉ DG Dee Forbes is the welcome and keynote speaker at this week's Belfast Media Festival, Theatre One - Day One 16th November 2017 12:45 - 14:00.

She gives the RTS Dan Gilbert Lecture which "will set out RTɒs strategy for the next five years – the organisational changes, the technology investments and editorial and creative priorities for the years ahead".

http://www.belfastmediafestival.co.uk/events/welcome/

The Dan Gilbert Lecture presented by the Royal Television Society RTE For a new Generation, Dee Forbes Director General RTE

Welcome and Keynote: Dee Forbes, Director General, RTE

RTÉ for a new Generation – The Dan Gilbert Lecture presented by the Royal Television Society

The lecture will set out RTÉ's strategy for the next five years – the organisational changes, the technology investments and editorial and creative priorities for the years ahead.

Dee will take questions afterwards for 15-20 minutes.

Elmo

Moya Doherty takes 5 more years at RTÉ, though she had said she could only ever commit to 3. Disappointed as I kind of though 3 years was enough for one person and it would have been nice to see a change.

The Cush

Elmo wrote: »

Moya Doherty takes 5 more years at RTÉ, though she had said she could only ever commit to 3.

This in in the Sunday Times today, reappointed by Minister Naughten last week.

Her reference to the 3 year term was back in 2014, no problem with a 5 year term this time around.

Before taking up her appointment in 2014, Doherty specifically asked to be given a three-year term, instead of the usual five, noting that she did not like "signing away her life" for too long. "I am by nature nomadic," she said at the time, noting that career breaks were important to maintain creativity.

Elmo

The Cush wrote: »

This in in the Sunday Times today, reappointed by Minister Naughten last week.

Her reference to the 3 year term was back in 2014, no problem with a 5 year term this time around.

Kind of wrong IMO as she was has no been given basically 2 terms without much discussion. Also how many terms can they have?

Nothing on the Dept's website about the appointment.

The Cush

Elmo wrote: »

Kind of wrong IMO as she was has no been given basically 2 terms without much discussion. Also how many terms can they have?

Nothing on the Dept's website about the appointment.

Information leaked early? Official announcement this coming week probably, together with the other 2 vacancies?

I don't recall any terms limits being mentioned, Broadcasting Act should have the information.

Elmo

The Cush wrote: »

Information leaked early? Official announcement this coming week probably, together with the other 2 vacancies?

I don't recall any terms limits being mentioned, Broadcasting Act should have the information.

Seems a lot of info was leaked over on Friday both the Department's plan to reinstate Moya Doherty and the BAI's Monthly meeting.

Broadcasting Act 2009 Section 82 Subsection 6:

A member of the board of a corporation shall not serve more than 2 consecutive terms of office.

Elmo

Quick question:-

What do feel would be acceptable for RTÉ in 2017

Breakeven
profits of less than 20m
profits between 20m - 40m
profits between 40m - 60m
profits over 60m

What do you think they will announce following low advertising sales, redundancies and the sale of land. What else did they do that was significant?

The Cush

Willie O'Reilly, Director of Commercial, the most senior member of staff leaving, by the end of the month.

Also Sheila de Courcy, RTEs Head of Children’s Content.

Dozens of departures from the organisation are scheduled to take place next Friday. The first wave of exits springing from RTɒs recent voluntary redundancy and early retirement scheme - designed to cut its future operational costs - will take place on that date.

At the end of Liveline today, Joe mentioned one of his staff who is leaving today(?) and wished well other staff who were leaving.


https://www.irishtimes.com/business/media-and-marketing/willie-o-reilly-to-leave-rt%C3%A9-1.3320135

Elmo

The Cush wrote: »

Willie O'Reilly, Director of Commercial, the most senior member of staff leaving, by the end of the month.

Also Sheila de Courcy, RTEs Head of Children’s Content.

No real loss to be honest Sheile de Courcy treatment of Children's Content has been abysmal. And Willie O'Reilly blamed everything from Brexit to low DVD sales.

Elmo

Sheila de Courcy, RTɒs head of children’s content, is among those leaving. Ms de Courcy’s department was much-reduced at the start of 2017 when RTÉ cut its in-house production of kids’ television shows and replaced them with programmes made by the independent sector

Good god, do the Irish Times see through PR at all. RTÉ reduced kids' telvision full stop and in 2017 possibly reduced adult productions from Indo producers.