RTÉ's €725 million big bailout mess

Upon the Government's announcement to financially bail out our State broadcaster, the taxpayer's money will now accumulate to €725 million for RTÉ over the next three years. 

Taking to the streets of Waterford City to ask if RTÉ should be bailed out, the response from the Déise was a resounding no.

"I think they got themselves into the mess that they're in now, why should the public, taxpaying people, have to bail them out? Absolutely not," said Emer Cheevers. 

Despite not wanting to give a bailout, Emer said she does enjoy RTÉ's content but overall, the broadcaster is in need of restructuring, particularly the TV Licence. 

The TV Licence system is to be retained, with funding for a collection system and technological improvements; in addition to this, new collection and compliance measures are to be developed.

Janet and her son Patrick Rea were of the same opinion as Emer. 

"I think they're after getting enough money, I really do, and I think it only came to light with Ryan Tubridy," said Janet. 

"Management should be paid less," she added, with Patrick then making the case that RTÉ's TV licence shouldn't be paid by those who don't use RTÉ and would prefer other streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime TV: "If you're not using RTÉ, there's no point in paying for it," Patrick said. 

"They should be gone," said Stephen O'Brien, alongside his friend, Alex Nolan. "You don't get to do what they did with no repercussions. Now they're getting €725 million, but what about all the other Irish tv channels and radio stations that don't get that representation and that don't have anything to stand up on... and they don't break the law," Stephen continued, "just get rid of RTÉ."

"It's just really outdated," said Alex.