Chair’s Statement

As 2022 demonstrates, there is much that RTÉ does so well. But there is much we need to do.

I am very privileged to have been appointed Chair of RTÉ in November 2022, towards the end of another significant year for Ireland’s national public service media organisation.

2022 was a milestone year for our industry. The publication of the Future of Media Commission Report in July 2022, acknowledging the importance of a diverse and vibrant media, and the multi-faceted role that it plays within Irish life, as well as the unique role of national public service media. It was a year that also saw the announcement of the establishment of Coimisiún na Meán to ensure a thriving diverse and safe online and media landscape, replacing the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. I'd like to wish the distinguished members of the Coimisiún the very best of luck and we look forward to building a strong working relationship with it as we did with the BAI.

2022 was also a year when Ireland's creative talent on both sides of the camera received richly deserved global recognition as so many film and TV productions, both made in Ireland and featuring Irish talent, were celebrated by peers and the public alike, serving as a timely reminder of the world class standards now consistently achieved here in Ireland and the importance, and benefits, of investment in the sector. We look forward to deepening our relationship with the independent production sector.

In her review of 2022 the Director-General has highlighted many of RTÉ's achievements: the return of audiences to RTÉ's studios and events following two unprecedented and difficult years; the celebration of 50 years of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta; great original Irish drama on television, radio and online; best-in-class documentaries; trustworthy news and current affairs; important, impactful investigations and reports; incredible live sporting action across our services; record numbers of streams on RTÉ Player; vital support for artists and musicians, and so much more delivered day in, day out across RTÉ's services.

As 2022 demonstrates, there is much that RTÉ does so well. But there is much we need to do.

Audiences continue to change rapidly, presented with more choice than ever - not just what to watch, but how, when and where to watch it. New players continue to enter the market. Global giants with deep pockets continue to invest in compelling content for global audiences, including Irish audiences and, with the unprecedented appeal of live sport, pursue lucrative sports rights. Listening habits are also changing fast with the growing popularity of podcasts for all tastes, on demand.

RTÉ must respond to these changes if we are to survive. The capacity to innovate and adapt is central to the success of the organisation and with this comes challenges. Technological change, while necessary, is often expensive which means that we have many big decisions to make, important decisions about our future as we continue to consider how to better serve audiences, while balancing the books. It is almost impossible to fully consider the possibilities without a proper resolution to the issue of funding public service media in Ireland, something I am committed to in my role as Chair.

With much of the focus on change and on the future of RTÉ, it is vital that we remain crystal clear about what it is we are here to do. RTÉ remains uniquely placed to tell our stories, important stories, in both languages, to hold a mirror up to society, to support our artists, musicians, writers, producers and performers, established and emerging, to engage, to entertain, to be there for big national moments, to support our teams and our athletes, to celebrate our achievements and to shine a light on the important issues that affect us.

We do not have to look far to see the growing challenges to truth, to democracy, to identity, to diversity, to culture and to civic life. Without a strong and vibrant RTÉ these things we hold so dear and often take for granted are more at risk.

RTÉ has always faced change and responded well to challenges, and we will continue to do so. We do not underestimate the task ahead or take our role for granted, but we look to the future with renewed purpose and a commitment to doing what's necessary to provide a public service media to be proud of. 2022 has given us plenty to build on.