Profits down 36% at RTÉ’s commercial arm as Covid hits revenue

RTÉ Commercial Enterprises reports profit of €5.41 million for 2020, down from €8.51 million the previous year

Revenues at the commercial unit dropped off, yet the national broadcaster made a net surplus of €7.9 million in 2020 after curtailing its operations during the pandemic. Picture: Rollingnews.ie

Profits at RTÉ’s commercial arm fell by 36 per cent last year after the pandemic caused a “severe decline” in revenues at the unit.

RTÉ Commercial Enterprises Designated Activity Company, which monetises the broadcaster’s RTÉ Guide as well as certain licensing aspects of the online Player, said revenues fell 14.6 per cent in 2020, down to €15.1 million from €17.7 million the previous year.

“Clearly the main reason for the decline was the impact of ...