Inside RTÉ’s Bold Shake-Up: Why Top Earners Are Cashing Out While 67 Staff Say Goodbye—What It Means for the Future!
Ever wonder how a giant like RTÉ manages to pull a surplus of €22.5 million out of the hat in 2025, leaping from just €5.5 million the year before? It’s not magic—though with a €3 million bump in revenue, a 5% rise in licence fee income, and a clever trimming of operating costs, it’s clear they’re playing their cards right. But here’s the kicker: while government funding dipped by €6.7 million, commercial income crept up slightly, showing just how delicate the dance between public support and commercial savvy really is. And let’s not forget those strategic staff cuts that, despite costing €8.5 million upfront, promise annualized savings edging €8.4 million—talk about investment with a twist! As RTÉ aims to become “smaller and more agile,” led by director-general Kevin Bakhurst and a management team pulling some hefty paychecks, the question is—can they keep this momentum and continue to thrive in a media landscape that’s as unpredictable as the next viral trend? Buckle up, because 2025 seems to be just the start of RTÉ’s fascinating journey into a digitally driven future. LEARN MORE
RTÉ has reported a net surplus of €22.5m for 2025, up from €5.5m the previous year in its annual report.
The national broadcaster saw a €3m year-on-year increase in revenue as it brought in €383.4m compared to €380.4m in 2024.
Licence fee income also increased 5% from €174.3m to €183.5m while additional government funding declined €6.7m to €41.3m.
Commercial income increased marginally from €158.1m to €158.6m, with advertising and sponsorship revenue accounting for approximately three-quarters (76%) at €121.1m.
Overall operating costs declined from 2024 in part due to costs related to one-off events such as the Olympics, Euro 2024 and the general election decreasing from €13.7m to €4.1m.
Non-personnel-related operating costs also declined €7.9m as RTÉ undertook a voluntary exit programme, with 67 staff leaving the company and 30 roles being suppressed.
It estimates annualised savings of €8.4m from the job cuts, which themselves cost €8.5m.
Director-general Kevin Bakhurst is the highest earning RTÉ employee and the management accounted for nine of the 10 highest earners in 2025.
Between his €250,000 salary, €62,500 pension contribution, €25,000 in allowances and €2,038 in other earnings, Bakhurst made €339,538 in 2025.
Deputy director-general and director of audiences, channels and marketing Adrian Lynch was paid a total of €293,627, including a base salary of €222,838 and €44,568 to his pension.
Chief technology officer Richard Waghorn (€291,160) and director of news and current affairs Deirdre McCarthy (€285,063) were both paid more than the top-earning presenter Claire Byrne (€280,000).
Chief financial officer Mari Hurley (€276,344), director of video Steve Carson (€276,282), HR director Eimear Cusack (€274,721), commercial director Gavin Deans (€269,055) and director of audio Patricia Monaghan (€269,055) were all paid more than the €250,000 cap set by Bakhurst when pension contributions and allowances are included.
Bakhurst said that RTÉ made good progress implementing its five-year strategy in year one, “rigorously managing finances” as it seeks to become “smaller and more agile”.
“Together, we have achieved a great deal in 2025, something we will build on in 2026 and into the future,” he continued.
“2025 was also the first year of the multi-annual funding settlement that was confirmed by Government in 2024. As I have stated on many occasions, the certainty that this funding provides is crucial.
“It has allowed RTÉ to plan, to commit to large-scale projects and investments, and to focus on our core mission: delivering essential public service content for audiences, supporting Ireland’s creative sector, and evolving our services for Ireland’s digital future.”
Photo: Kevin Bakhurst. (Pic: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie)
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