GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 7344 - 14/08/2020 14:00:46    2287541

GeniusGerry (Kerry) - That is a serious post and leaves me with little if anything to add. I put the post out there just to get it off my chest, I have a couple of reasons for that.
I was never in favour of the sky deal as we call it, in particular the way it was signed off which included the PPV. Because RTE is a national broadcaster with a public service mandate for those reasons alone it should not be kept afloat at the tax payers expense dying a slow death. You are correct when you say RTE is virtually worthless, but it does have serious potential. It appears inside as if the tail wags the dog, albeit with the CEO's permission.
I remember not too long ago when talks started with IAG and Aer Lingus, the talks started about a possible buy into the airline, and no one could see it ever happening, our very own Prided Aer Line being sold off, but it did happen with a heavy heart may be, by some, certain conditions had to be met, and the were, we kept our "Visual" brand / logo. Pilots, and cabin crew kept their traditional image.
Personally I would never say never that Sky would have no interest whatsoever in obtaining RTE in some shape or form, a deal could be hammered out that would include things like "exclusive coverage" and "PPV" The availability of broadband through our national broadcaster is paramount, as is selecting key people for key positions.
RTE's begging to the taxpayers is pathetic, no doubt about that, from what I gather they are attempting to cut their cost, but unfortunately not where it matters most. Spillane, O'Rourke and Brolly are not the reason I don't watch the Sunday game as much as I would like to. Imo, the Sunday game is put together, presented, produced, directed and beamed out to us audience by professionally people who are alledgley paid serious saleries, Spillan, O'Rourke and Brolly are amateurs on the set being paid buttons in comparison.
RTE's ceo is abiding time me thinks, she won't be there to bolt the stable door when the horse has gone out of sight.
Your final paragraph is inch perfect.
supersub15 (Carlow) - Posts: 2027 - 14/08/2020 12:35:20 If you think the GAA can just use free to air then you're delusional. The GAA has to get the best deal best money it can for tv coverage. Sky deal was best the GAA saw. Sky will never purchase RTE or any part of what they do. No reason for them to do it.

@Killingfields some of RTE's best stuff over the years like Love / Hate is not produced by RTE. That's what I mean by third parties. RTE's homemade content is not particularly valuable in a commercial sense and will always need to be subsidised.
Because they have no competition they have no reason to improve? Are you serious? How about improving to increase viewership and revenue rather than come with the begging bowl each and every year? If they had better management that would be the goal.
What do I want in terms of better content? I gave a perfect example with their GAA coverage. It's amateur when compared to other sports broadcasters, and could be easily improved with probably negligible investment. When this issue is mirrored across the organisation it's not hard to see why they are continually in trouble.
GeniusGerry (Kerry) - Posts: 1857 - 14/08/2020 12:42:42 Love Hate was Commissioned by RTÉ Drama and produced by Octagon Films. RTE wont substantially change or overhaul their whole structure and values as they are the dominant force in the market. Yes im completely serious. They control the tv market in Ireland still. That may change in a few decades time but it wont now.

KillingFields (Limerick) - Posts: 3510 - 14/08/2020 14:45:20    2287548

@Killingfields I'm not sure what point you are trying to make by quoting me there. I realise the GAA sell the rights to commercial broadcasters. How am I delusional? How much do you think they are getting from SKY? It's buttons in the context of their overall income. If they go full PPV there would be absolute uproar, fans simply would not stand for it.

As for Love / Hate example I said that a lot of their best content is not produced in house which you have confirmed. This could be done by virtually any commercial operator / broadcaster if RTE was gone and the demand was there.

RTE control the news, current affairs, domestic sports and cultural programming in Ireland, mainly because these sectors are not especially valuable to anybody else, hence why they are heavily subsidised through the TV Licence system. There will always be a place for a national broadcaster because it's an important service and I don't think anybody wants those sectors covered by a for-profit like SKY, not even SKY.

My broad point is that RTE needs to take control of its own future, live within its means and stop carrying on as if they are somehow getting shorted by 'only' receiving €160 per household to run the service. These commercial semi states often have appalling wasteful practices and an ingrained public sector mentality that makes change difficult. I fully appreciate that it's a mammoth task to turn things around but at the same time it's disappointing that there appears to be minimal meaningful will to even really try. They just want more money instead.

GeniusGerry (Kerry) - Posts: 2105 - 14/08/2020 15:47:30    2287557

Let's be honest RTE has gone to the dogs long ago and it's in the state it's in now because of the amount money it squandered (especially on excessive salaries for tv and radio staff) down through the years especially during the celtic tiger years. Apart from love/hate (which was good not brilliant) can anyone name another decent show RTE have commissioned hardybucks, bridget and eamon and Republic of telly were nothing more than cheap and crass rubbish for fear they would have to spend real money on decent programming.

News and current affairs on RTE since the recession and the Enda Kenny/Michael Noonan government was nothing more than government propaganda. RTE were afraid to report the news properly to the people and wouldn't grill or put questions to politicians about billions of taxpayers money given to unsecure bond holders for fear the government would pull funding to the station. Kenny and Noonan were well able to go on RTE for the easy interview but were terrified to go on Vincent Browne because they would have being shown up for what they were. When Eamon Dunphy went on the late late show a few years back and rightly called out what was going in the country RTE had to get George Hook on the week after to counter Dunphy argument to not upset people in power in this country especially a certain media mogul. Compare The late late show now compared to Gay Byrne's time, Tubridy is the most boring over rated presenter on television he does nothing only talk over his guests after he asks them a question and there no flow of conversation.

I really don't know whether RTE should be privatised or not, paying an expensive licence fee for little service back nor do I want tv network system like in the USA and Canada, also what needs to be looked at in this country is a certain billionaire having an monopoly on radio and print media which shouldn't be allowed either.

DUALSUPPORT (Limerick) - Posts: 1038 - 14/08/2020 15:49:37    2287560

I considered not paying my TV licence and had my defense all planned out when if i got taken to court,

"Im not giving 160 euro to something that spends it in on sending Brendan and Marty on a week long jolie to New York, films it and screens it, your Honor".

RTE has a serious detach from reality.

TheUsername (Dublin) - Posts: 4445 - 14/08/2020 16:55:21    2287567

KingdomBoy1 (Kerry) - Posts: 14092 - 14/08/2020 17:06:40    2287568

Let RTE fund itself through advertising and lowering wages, tv3 never needed the license fee, granted breaks will be longer, but why pay for the likes of Turbidy earning around 500,000, and even worse Ray D'arcy is on 450,000, how the heck are they worth that much

DuhallowRed (Cork) - Posts: 268 - 14/08/2020 17:52:55    2287570

Sticking with GAA coverage on rte television, it is clear it isn't fit for purpose and hasn't been for years. I couldn't care less if such and such had a 66% shot accuracy rate, I want excitement in the commentary which has been sorely lacking since the gifted Micheal O'Hehir had to hang up his mic in an untimely fashion. There's dozens of excellent local radio commentators that could be hired.

I want presenters who won't butt in with their thoughts on the game. I want pundits who might tell us something interesting and not be turning the programme into a jokey match of the day type scenario.

republicofcloone (Leitrim) - Posts: 375 - 14/08/2020 18:18:19    2287577

@Killingfields I'm not sure what point you are trying to make by quoting me there. I realise the GAA sell the rights to commercial broadcasters. How am I delusional? How much do you think they are getting from SKY? It's buttons in the context of their overall income. If they go full PPV there would be absolute uproar, fans simply would not stand for it.
As for Love / Hate example I said that a lot of their best content is not produced in house which you have confirmed. This could be done by virtually any commercial operator / broadcaster if RTE was gone and the demand was there.
RTE control the news, current affairs, domestic sports and cultural programming in Ireland, mainly because these sectors are not especially valuable to anybody else, hence why they are heavily subsidised through the TV Licence system. There will always be a place for a national broadcaster because it's an important service and I don't think anybody wants those sectors covered by a for-profit like SKY, not even SKY.
My broad point is that RTE needs to take control of its own future, live within its means and stop carrying on as if they are somehow getting shorted by 'only' receiving €160 per household to run the service. These commercial semi states often have appalling wasteful practices and an ingrained public sector mentality that makes change difficult. I fully appreciate that it's a mammoth task to turn things around but at the same time it's disappointing that there appears to be minimal meaningful will to even really try. They just want more money instead.
GeniusGerry (Kerry) - Posts: 1858 - 14/08/2020 15:47:30 RTE commissioned Love/Hate. If they didnt do that it wouldnt have happened.
GAA has to sell broadcast rights to the highest bidder. Its commercial suicide to not. If they went full pay per view it wouldnt be the worst. Fans would have to either pay or not be able to watch from their home. Its the same with every other sport.
You are posting platitudes saying all idealistically that RTE need to do this and that but no actual suggestions on how they do it...

Let's be honest RTE has gone to the dogs long ago and it's in the state it's in now because of the amount money it squandered (especially on excessive salaries for tv and radio staff) down through the years especially during the celtic tiger years. Apart from love/hate (which was good not brilliant) can anyone name another decent show RTE have commissioned hardybucks, bridget and eamon and Republic of telly were nothing more than cheap and crass rubbish for fear they would have to spend real money on decent programming.
News and current affairs on RTE since the recession and the Enda Kenny/Michael Noonan government was nothing more than government propaganda. RTE were afraid to report the news properly to the people and wouldn't grill or put questions to politicians about billions of taxpayers money given to unsecure bond holders for fear the government would pull funding to the station. Kenny and Noonan were well able to go on RTE for the easy interview but were terrified to go on Vincent Browne because they would have being shown up for what they were. When Eamon Dunphy went on the late late show a few years back and rightly called out what was going in the country RTE had to get George Hook on the week after to counter Dunphy argument to not upset people in power in this country especially a certain media mogul. Compare The late late show now compared to Gay Byrne's time, Tubridy is the most boring over rated presenter on television he does nothing only talk over his guests after he asks them a question and there no flow of conversation.
I really don't know whether RTE should be privatised or not, paying an expensive licence fee for little service back nor do I want tv network system like in the USA and Canada, also what needs to be looked at in this country is a certain billionaire having an monopoly on radio and print media which shouldn't be allowed either.
DUALSUPPORT (Limerick) - Posts: 605 - 14/08/2020 15:49:37 I dont think theyre that bad. People automatically compare RTE to networks in US, UK all of which are in far bigger markets with far bigger budgets.

I have never watched love hate or any Irish sitcom/dramas after 1990 I just find them desperate cringey, I had to watch glenroe when I was young which was very disappointing as there wasn't enough actual farming done in it, I remember Miley had a John Deere and we'd all be talking about it as kids at school.
I used to like the show all creatures great and small I always found that soothing for some reason, I really liked the English comedies only fools faulty towers are you being served open all hours selwyn froggitt rising damp last of the summer wine, I wouldnt be a big fan of the English but I do like their comedy it doesn't seem as forced as what our own try to put out.
It's the same with Irish comedians, I just cant watch them, where I could watch Jimmy carr Roy chubby brown Russell Kane no bother .
KingdomBoy1 (Kerry) - Posts: 11026 - 14/08/2020 17:06:40Then youve missed out on plenty and while there's been plenty that have been poor. Some have been top class. Same with comedians. Dara O Brien, david O Doherty just few examples. Very hard to compare irish anywhere near as favourable as English/British....

Let RTE fund itself through advertising and lowering wages, tv3 never needed the license fee, granted breaks will be longer, but why pay for the likes of Turbidy earning around 500,000, and even worse Ray D'arcy is on 450,000, how the heck are they worth that much
DuhallowRed (Cork) - Posts: 117 - 14/08/2020 17:52:55 What should they be worth? Plenty other countries use public television why should irish be different?

KillingFields (Limerick) - Posts: 3510 - 14/08/2020 18:46:54    2287579

DuhallowRed (Cork) - Posts: 268 - 14/08/2020 19:38:32    2287584

Cockney_Cat (UK) - Posts: 2460 - 14/08/2020 20:50:21    2287587

RIP good RTE (1960-2002) and ok RTE (2003-2013)

eoghan6688 (Galway) - Posts: 154 - 14/08/2020 20:53:18    2287589

TheFlaker (Mayo) - Posts: 7891 - 14/08/2020 21:12:31    2287591

You have dreadful taste in comedy. We have the best comedians for sure.
TheFlaker (Mayo) - Posts: 6694 - 14/08/2020 21:12:31 Who are good comedians in your opinion?

No one in RTE should be earning more then 150,000, ridiculous sum of money they are forking out
DuhallowRed (Cork) - Posts: 118 - 14/08/2020 19:38:32Why 150k? Why that figure? Is there some in RTE over paid? Of course but why shouldnt some be getting that as presenters of some of most watched and listened programmes on tv and radio in the country

KillingFields (Limerick) - Posts: 3510 - 14/08/2020 21:53:26    2287596

@Killingfields you seem to be taking a really defensive position towards RTE, an organisation with major issues across the board by its own admission.

Their GAA coverage is so bad it's indefensible. Easily improved by getting better analysts and taking a more modern approach to broadcasting. PPV is a totally separate matter, it is up to the GAA who they sell rights to. It is up to RTE to make the most of the rights they have, they are not doing that right now in my view.

Their current affairs coverage is often very watery as pointed out by another poster, often giving the government of the day a very soft ride out of self interest, lest the funding tap be turned off.

As for Love / Hate it was pitched to them and they commissioned it, if they hadn't how do you know BBC wouldn't have done it like they did other Irish themed stuff like Father Ted and the hugely successful Normal People? Like I said, much of their best stuff is bought in, written and produced by third parties. That is all I am saying, no idea why you are hell bent on contradicting me by twisting what I'm saying.

There are huge issues with RTE that are plain for even casual onlookers to see. Of course I don't have all the answers because I don't have all the facts in relation to which departments are making money and which aren't, nor am I paid a six figure salary to come up with all the answers. I'm pretty sure I could do better than stamping my feet and demanding more taxpayers money though. Their chief exec comes across as completely out of her depth.

GeniusGerry (Kerry) - Posts: 2105 - 14/08/2020 22:27:07    2287601

@Killingfields you seem to be taking a really defensive position towards RTE, an organisation with major issues across the board by its own admission.
Their GAA coverage is so bad it's indefensible. Easily improved by getting better analysts and taking a more modern approach to broadcasting. PPV is a totally separate matter, it is up to the GAA who they sell rights to. It is up to RTE to make the most of the rights they have, they are not doing that right now in my view.
Their current affairs coverage is often very watery as pointed out by another poster, often giving the government of the day a very soft ride out of self interest, lest the funding tap be turned off.
As for Love / Hate it was pitched to them and they commissioned it, if they hadn't how do you know BBC wouldn't have done it like they did other Irish themed stuff like Father Ted and the hugely successful Normal People? Like I said, much of their best stuff is bought in, written and produced by third parties. That is all I am saying, no idea why you are hell bent on contradicting me by twisting what I'm saying.
There are huge issues with RTE that are plain for even casual onlookers to see. Of course I don't have all the answers because I don't have all the facts in relation to which departments are making money and which aren't, nor am I paid a six figure salary to come up with all the answers. I'm pretty sure I could do better than stamping my feet and demanding more taxpayers money though. Their chief exec comes across as completely out of her depth.
GeniusGerry (Kerry) - Posts: 1859 - 14/08/2020 22:27:07 I just dont agree with the whole RTE is terrible and especially with comparing it directly with the BBC or us tv networks.
BBC annual budget is about 4 billion. RTE budget is maybe half a billion and probably substantially less than that
Their coverage is as it is because Irelands a very small country and RTE has no alternatives realistically.
You are not giving RTE any credit.
RTE commissioned Love Hate. They assisted the making of it.
What exactly do you mean by better analysts?
Much of what is on a lot of channels is bought in, written and produced by third parties as many channels dont have budgets to spend huge figures on loads of programmes especially when theyre national broadcasters with specific roles and jobs to do as part of being a national funded broadcaster.

KillingFields (Limerick) - Posts: 3510 - 14/08/2020 23:36:48    2287610

DuhallowRed (Cork) - Posts: 268 - 15/08/2020 01:27:13    2287611

GeniusGerry (Kerry) - Posts: 2105 - 15/08/2020 09:45:54    2287623

They can earn as much as they want if it were RTE'S own money, but when it's ours is a different story, if you wanna pay for my license fee then you are more then welcome
DuhallowRed (Cork) - Posts: 119 - 15/08/2020 01:27:13 if you look at RTE tv they make nearly as much from commercial income as licence fee so how do you know its not RTEs own money?

I already made the point that they cannot be compared to BBC or the streaming giants for budgetary reasons if you check back so I agree there.
I never said that everything on there is terrible, I watch a lot of RTE news and current affairs and I think they do a mostly good job there. I'd prefer if they held the government to account a bit more but to be fair every station in the world is being influenced in some way. Some of the prime time specials are excellent.
When I say better analysts what I mean is that Spillane, Brolly, Dolan and some of the other guys they have had on there in recent years are just not up to scratch and they hold the standard back. Analysis around games often descends to farce as it did during last years drawn All Ireland. It's downright unprofessional at times. The soccer coverage was the same for years with Dunphy being allowed to run the show and take the discussion off on any tangent he liked, even showing up inebriated in one case during a huge World Cup game no less.
Most of the drama / entertainment and comedy stuff they put out is fairly poor. I appreciate that they have budgetary limitations and that they have to put out a certain amount due to their original programming mandate. I'd prefer quality over quantity but it is what it is. The chat show stuff is dire but I understand that if they stumble on a top talent they are likely to lose them to bigger markets, e.g. they could never afford Graham Norton.
My main issue is Dee Forbes continually and very publicly campaigning for more money through the licence when paying it is a major bugbear for many people as it is. It smacks of entitlement and a lack of will to sort out the issues. It just looks weak to me.
GeniusGerry (Kerry) - Posts: 1860 - 15/08/2020 09:45:54 When you say hold government to account more? What do you want them to do?
To be fair on comedy when you are so close to UK and nearly all top comedians live in and are based in UK then comedy wont necessarily be that good. that isnt really an issue.
thing is they need more money if they are to compete with others. they have a tiny budget compared to most of their competitors

KillingFields (Limerick) - Posts: 3510 - 15/08/2020 10:48:45    2287632

People complain a lot about the Sunday Game and fair enough the football analysts are poor but nobody can complain about the pedigree of the hurling analysts, they all have serious C.V.'s- Daly, Shefflin, Derek McGrath, Liam Sheedy (when there), Eddie Brennan. I actually cannot bear to watch the analysis on SKY. Joanne Cantwell knows and played the game unlike Rachel (don't know her surname) from SKY. Let SKY have all the games and we will never see a live game for free except for the All-Ireland Final. I'd rather give RTE €160 a year than Sky €80 a month.

The_Bull (Cork) - Posts: 248 - 15/08/2020 11:06:35    2287634