Dee Forbes banging the RTE TV licence drum again 60m uncollected fee poll not working - pl ignore

Brendan Bendar · 03-02-2021 08:05PM

Hehheh heh..... heard the union guy coming out with the usual guff on Drivetime.

I paraphrase.. ‘ Of course these cuts will not solve RTEs financial difficulties, it will need Government intervention to solve that’

Great..... nice one...... get John Q Taxpayer to ensure the likes of Tubridy,D’Arcy, Duffy and many many more are paid way above any salary it would seem sensible to offer them.

Take a hike Mr Union Dude with your “privilege days”.

Try to sell that crud to some poor health care assistant ......... what a shower.

retalivity · 03-02-2021 08:07PM

Elmo wrote: »

I sympathies with people getting pay cuts and losing their jobs

Within RTE? I don't!

Maysa07 · 03-02-2021 08:17PM

retalivity wrote: »

Within RTE? I don't!

Why? not all of us have cushy numbers and earn 80 - 90K just so you know.

Brendan Bendar · 03-02-2021 08:17PM

Elmo wrote: »

https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2021/0203/1194886-rte-proposes-pay-cuts-and-redundancies-to-reduce-costs/

Really not going to change anything. To me that reads, "we will except these cuts but only in the hope that the reform of the license fee will put the company on a secure footing."

Rather than working towards reforms with in RTÉ and showing the importance of RTÉ, the unions and RTÉ have at the last minute had to cut wages and offer redundancy packages. Much of this could have been avoided if the organization had reformed.

I sympathies with people getting pay cuts and losing their jobs, but the mis-management of the broadcaster over the last 10 years has lead to these cuts.

IMO.

As I heard it it’s voluntary redundancy... nobody “losing their jobs”.

So do you blame the intrangency of Unions

Or the feeble management for the situation.

Like who in broadcasting circles is threatening say Claire Byrne at her base salary in other broadcasting outfits.

Who could rock up and demand a similar package?

Nevin Parsnipp · 03-02-2021 08:59PM

Just Take Duffy and D'arcy in the arternoon slotat RTE versus Moncreiffe over in Noostalk.

The Dufficer and the D'Arce on wedges just South of a million eurons combined .....Moncreiffe ?

Kinda says it all wha ?

retalivity · 03-02-2021 09:01PM

Maysa07 wrote: »

Why? not all of us have cushy numbers and earn 80 - 90K just so you know.

So you work for RTE?
Do you think it delivers value for money and is not a bloated mess that could be trimmed massively?

Elmo · 03-02-2021 09:03PM

Brendan Bendar wrote: »

As I heard it it’s voluntary redundancy... nobody “losing their jobs”.

So do you blame the intrangency of Unions

Or the feeble management for the situation.

Like who in broadcasting circles is threatening say Claire Byrne at her base salary in other broadcasting outfits.

Who could rock up and demand a similar package?

Look I feel sorry for anyone who is put out of work, even in a voluntary redundancy situation. If not taken up it will lead to involuntary redundancies.

I blame both management and unions for not being able to agree anything of significance over the last 10 years, this is not a recent problem, but it seems to me as if both RTÉ and the unions are treating it like they just realized what's going on.

Claire Byrne has possibly burnt her bridges at Newstalk and its unlike Virgin Media would take her on, it unlikely that she'd add an audience to The Tonight Show. She's not the best paid in fairness to her. She's possibly the only one on the right wage of the top stars.

Brendan Bendar · 03-02-2021 09:24PM

Elmo wrote: »

Look I feel sorry for anyone who is put out of work, even in a voluntary redundancy situation. If not taken up it will lead to involuntary redundancies.

I blame both management and unions for not being able to agree anything of significance over the last 10 years, this is not a recent problem, but it seems to me as if both RTÉ and the unions are treating it like they just realized what's going on.

Claire Byrne has possibly burnt her bridges at Newstalk and its unlike Virgin Media would take her on, it unlikely that she'd add an audience to The Tonight Show. She's not the best paid in fairness to her. She's possibly the only one on the right wage of the top stars.

Well then if that’s the case why doesn’t RTE announce cuts/ re working of the top stars contracts, work practice changes, cost cuts.

The unions and management are like two crocodiles locked in combat, both will take each other out.

Then they expect the taxpayer to rescue them without any damage to themselves.

There is No Need to pay the plethora of ‘stars’ such exorbitant fees.

Where is the ‘competition ‘ coming from?

And I’m well aware the ‘stars’ wages are NOT vital in the overall picture.

But they ARE vital and unnecessary in the public’s perception of the profligacy of RTE.

sligojoek · 03-02-2021 09:27PM

I didn't hear that part of the show Brendan.

What are “privilege days”?

NIMAN · 03-02-2021 09:30PM

Are these cuts to staff only?

Wondering if contractors will have their wages cut?

And talking of contractors, when did their whole idea come into being? I'm sure 20 and 30 years ago, everyone on an RTE programme was an RTE employee?
I know the benefit that the likes of Tubs and Duffy get from being contractors, mainly reducing their tax liability, but whats in it for RTE? Does it save them much money employing contractors rather than hiring these people as staff? I would guess they have no pension commitment on them, but does it make financial sense?

beachhead · 03-02-2021 09:40PM

sligojoek wrote: »

I didn't hear that part of the show Brendan.

What are “privilege days”?

Privilege days are quite common in large companies and among government employees.They can be awarded to employees for various reasons.Usually limited to 5 per year but if really really lucky they could be one a month.They relate variously-length of service,position held, etc

beachhead · 03-02-2021 09:45PM

Nobody has mentioned the expenses that a lot of rte staff can claim which are not included in the salary packages being quoted and can be "juicy".Most office based staff would not claim them but go on assignment and ding ding

Elmo · 04-02-2021 10:38AM

Brendan Bendar wrote: »

Well then if that’s the case why doesn’t RTE announce cuts/ re working of the top stars contracts, work practice changes, cost cuts.

The unions and management are like two crocodiles locked in combat, both will take each other out./QUOTE]

I think your misinterpreting my posts.

The 15% cut on the stars is main due to the retirement of one and the death of another. A similar situation to when Pat Kenny left and the death of Jerry Ryan. Tubs organized a pay cut that brought him under 500,000 to save face and he's held on to 495,000 ever since. (But I won't revisit this argument).

I agree RTÉ and the Unions held of till the last minute, the agreement is all about cutting wages and not reform of work practices at the company, but then if they'd been in continual discussion for the last 10 years this might not have been the case.

RTÉ (management and staff) I think believe that they are truly providing a good service and they may even think it is an excellent service, they seem unwilling to listen to anything that differs from that view.

The J Stands for Jay · 04-02-2021 10:51AM

elperello wrote: »

The State has made a political decision to keep the orchestras for cultural reasons.

I don't know why non-indigenous music, with limited appeal, is funded.

Brendan Bendar · 04-02-2021 11:05AM

Elmo wrote: »

Brendan Bendar wrote: »

Well then if that’s the case why doesn’t RTE announce cuts/ re working of the top stars contracts, work practice changes, cost cuts.

The unions and management are like two crocodiles locked in combat, both will take each other out./QUOTE]

I think your misinterpreting my posts.

The 15% cut on the stars is main due to the retirement of one and the death of another. A similar situation to when Pat Kenny left and the death of Jerry Ryan. Tubs organized a pay cut that brought him under 500,000 to save face and he's held on to 495,000 ever since. (But I won't revisit this argument).

I agree RTÉ and the Unions held of till the last minute, the agreement is all about cutting wages and not reform of work practices at the company, but then if they'd been in continual discussion for the last 10 years this might not have been the case.

RTÉ (management and staff) I think believe that they are truly providing a good service and they may even think it is an excellent service, they seem unwilling to listen to anything that differs from that view.

Apologies if I misinterpreted your points.

Now a lad could spend a week ‘discussing’ these issues

My main point is, while I have no major issue with the service, it costs way too much to produce.

It reminds me of the airline industry 35 years ago, before they woke up, or were woken up.

The whole cost base needs to be reduced and the work practices and deliniations streamlined.

Elmo · 04-02-2021 11:23AM

Brendan Bendar wrote: »

My main point is, while I have no major issue with the service, it costs way too much to produce.

I have a huge issue with the service they provide. They are not providing content, they've cut back massively. It seems people haven't noticed that the last 10 years of RTÉ is repeats.

RabbleRouser2k · 04-02-2021 11:56AM

Elmo wrote: »

I have a huge issue with the service they provide. They are not providing content, they've cut back massively. It seems people haven't noticed that the last 10 years of RTÉ is repeats.

I'd say much of the reason people aren't noticing the repeats is because less and less people are watching RTE.

The thing about the lockdown is more people are stuck at home watching Tv... so they're noticing 'another repeat? Seriously?'.

The LLS was doing misery porn for years. When lockdown happened, lots of people were stuck at home watching TV. And suddenly 'what the hell is this crap?' was obvious.

Hotblack Desiato · 04-02-2021 04:48PM

beachhead wrote: »

Privilege days are quite common in large companies and among government employees.They can be awarded to employees for various reasons.Usually limited to 5 per year but if really really lucky they could be one a month.They relate variously-length of service,position held, etc

Love to know which companies you're talking about!

Public servants used to get two a year - one at Christmas and one at Easter until they were abolished, so now public sector offices are closed for all of two days at Christmas - Christmas Day and Stephen's Day

Of course most private sector businesses close for much longer than that over Christmas but you never heard Pat Kenny whinging on the radio about that...

The sick leave entitlement they're talking about cutting in RTE is double that of the public sector

elperello · 04-02-2021 11:42PM

McGaggs wrote: »

I don't know why non-indigenous music, with limited appeal, is funded.

I guess it's non-indigenous because people from other countries created it.

We created some fine music here too.

It's a cultural thing that the government likes to support the arts.

I'm ok with it but I don't go to concerts.

Like I said before anyone who has a problem could take it up with the relevant dept.

The J Stands for Jay · 05-02-2021 01:25AM

elperello wrote: »

I guess it's non-indigenous because people from other countries created it.

We created some fine music here too.

It's a cultural thing that the government likes to support the arts.

I'm ok with it but I don't go to concerts.

Like I said before anyone who has a problem could take it up with the relevant dept.

I've nothing against it, but it seems a strange choice to be sorted by the government.

Nevin Parsnipp · 05-02-2021 11:28AM

There will always be stuff that is deemed culturally important ...but which Pat doesn't support sufficiently to be viable..... thus requiring Govt.support.

Think ..Opera......The Irish Language....League of Ireland Football..........

Matter of suckin it up....innit ?

retalivity · 05-02-2021 12:26PM

Does trad, sean-nós etc. get any ringfenced funding? Would far rather pay for 50 trad musicians and or singers going round the country doing gigs which would be deemed far more culturally important.
And unlike the Orchestra, they could play anywhere and are not limited to 5 venues due to the size of them.

Elmo · 05-02-2021 03:51PM

RE: The NSO move to the NCH

So here's my pessimistic take

2017 - RTÉ decide they must lobby to get rid of either one of the orchestras.
2018 - A report is written outlining the problems that exist, few read it. The government latch on to the idea of the NSO moving to the NCH, in principle. RTÉ and the NCH say the will meet to discuss and plan for the move.
2018 - 2020 RTÉ and NCH do not meet
2020 - Budget Day government give funding to NCH to run the NSO
The rest of 2020 - Both RTÉ and NCH do the bare minimum, well it is coming up to Christmas after all.
2021 - NCH has €8m for the running of the NSO but now has to work with RTÉ to plan for its move, which they should have already finished in 2019 or 2018.

I am not saying this did happen but...

elperello · 05-02-2021 07:31PM

retalivity wrote: »

Does trad, sean-nós etc. get any ringfenced funding? Would far rather pay for 50 trad musicians and or singers going round the country doing gigs which would be deemed far more culturally important.
And unlike the Orchestra, they could play anywhere and are not limited to 5 venues due to the size of them.

Various funding schemes from the Arts Council and Culture Ireland plus a few special ones for Covid.

http://www.artscouncil.ie/available-funding/
https://www.cultureireland.ie/funding

https://www.firstmusiccontact.com/information-on-the-irish-music-industry-covid-19-relief-fund
https://www.gov.ie/en/service/28151-music-industry-stimulus-package/

Atlantic Dawn · 07-02-2021 01:55PM

Had to laugh when I read this, I just hope they don't do something stupid like spend the money they got from the sale of their lands on some boxing for PPV event...

In a submission seen by the Sunday Independent, the broadcaster said regulators would need to allow RTÉ the freedom to innovate which could include introducing pay-per-view programming and subscription video on demand (SVOD), it said.

https://www.independent.ie/business/media/rte-seeks-greater-freedom-to-raise-revenue-40055750.html

Elmo · 07-02-2021 02:24PM

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Had to laugh when I read this, I just hope they don't do something stupid like spend the money they got from the sale of their lands on some boxing for PPV event...

https://www.independent.ie/business/media/rte-seeks-greater-freedom-to-raise-revenue-40055750.html

You honestly think they still have that money?

07-02-2021 02:46PM

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Had to laugh when I read this, I just hope they don't do something stupid like spend the money they got from the sale of their lands on some boxing for PPV event...

https://www.independent.ie/business/media/rte-seeks-greater-freedom-to-raise-revenue-40055750.html

PPV events have to get blanket coverage to draw the crowds in so you'll have RTE polluting the airwaves cajoling people to register and pay for the events weeks in advance.
That isn't what you expect from a public service broadcaster.

Kivaro · 07-02-2021 02:55PM

This part is very funny:

regulators would need to allow RTÉ the freedom to innovate

That is one humongous oxymoron right there. Many of us would be happy just to get a basic competent service from them.

Gunmonkey · 07-02-2021 03:14PM

Deleted User wrote: »

PPV events have to get blanket coverage to draw the crowds in so you'll have RTE polluting the airwaves cajoling people to register and pay for the events weeks in advance.
That isn't what you expect from a public service broadcaster.

Ah sure Dee will probably just whinge to the Government to make it"DE LAW!" to buy the PPV tickets alongside your TV license.

jmcc · 07-02-2021 05:57PM

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Had to laugh when I read this, I just hope they don't do something stupid like spend the money they got from the sale of their lands on some boxing for PPV event...

https://www.independent.ie/business/media/rte-seeks-greater-freedom-to-raise-revenue-40055750.html

Looks lke buzzword bullshít from people who don't understand the economics of Pay TV and the security aspects. Then again, it is RTE.

Regards...jmcc

Dee Forbes banging the RTE TV licence drum again 60m uncollected fee *poll not working - pl ignore*

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Dee Forbes banging the RTE TV licence drum again 60m uncollected fee poll not working - pl ignore