RTE in Crisis

‘Batshit crazy’: Division in Fianna Fáil over RTÉ funding model

Michael McGrath and Micheál Martin have cited concerns about direct exchequer funding model for RTÉ, but some media committee members from their party are in favour

Michael McGrath, minister for finance. ‘I would strike a note of caution on the calls to abolish the licence fee and replace it with general taxation or general exchequer funding.’ Picture: RollingNews.ie

Division has emerged within Fianna Fáil over the future funding model in RTÉ, with some members of the Oireachtas media committee coming out strongly in favour of exchequer funding, and others describing it as “batshit crazy”.

Malcolm Byrne and Christopher O’Sullivan have come out in favour of direct exchequer funding for public service broadcasting, while committee chair Niamh Smyth and Shane Cassells agree with their party colleague and minister for finance Michael McGrath’s position that ...