Figures from RTÉ's annual report, published today, show that the national broadcaster reported a surplus before tax of just under €11m for last year, compared with €1.4m in 2006.
Total revenues were €441m, up from €405m a year earlier. Commercial revenue, which represents 55% of the total, was 10.5% higher at €245.5m. Revenue from television licence fees rose 7% to just under €196m. The licence fee rose from €158 to €160 on January 1 this year.
Income related to RTÉ's defined benefit pension scheme was affected by a new accounting treatment for pension schemes, and added €16m to RTE's reported after-tax surplus of €26m.
A breakdown showed that television contributed just over €10m to profits last year, up from €2.2m in 2006 due to a €17m increase in advertising, while radio's contribution was unchanged at €2.7m. The network division added €5.5m to profits, but RTÉ Publishing lost €1m.
