Wexford TD Challenges RTÉ Funding Model And Questions Bakhurst Leadership

A North Wexford TD has questioned whether RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst is up for the job” amid growing concerns over fairness in Ireland’s radio industry.

During an Oireachtas Media Committe meeting yesterday Deputy Brian Brennan highlighted that Ireland’s 33 independent radio stations receive around three million euro in total state support with some stations averaging just one hundred thousand euro each.

By comparison, RTÉ’s 2FM receives more than four million euro.

Bakhurst defended the funding model, saying 2FM’s costs include national operations and that the station is important for reaching younger audiences.

Brennan argued local radio stations also face significant costs and questioned whether the system represents a level playing field