Minister Catherine Martin has welcomed the changes announced by RTÉ’s new Director General Kevin Bakhurst this morning.
The broadcaster’s new boss, who officially took over from Dee Forbes today, outlined the changes in an email to staff today – which confirmed the disbandment of the Executive Board, which will be replaced with a temporary interim leadership team.
In the email, Mr Bakhurst condemned the “shameful events” of the past few weeks, and committed to changing the culture in RTÉ.
In response to the changes, Minister Martin said in a statement: “I welcome the statement from the new Director General of RTÉ Kevin Bakhurst this morning.
“The Director General briefed me when we met on Thursday that he was planning to reconstitute the Executive Board. I note his announcement today that he is standing down the Executive Board and replacing it with a temporary Interim Leadership Team.
“It is right that his first action this morning was to advise staff of his plans. I note in particular his proposals for a staff consultation group and employee survey and that he is planning a review of roles and grades, pay, and gender equality. As the national broadcaster, which rightly challenges other institutions, RTÉ must be leading out in terms of equality and inclusion.
“Confidence in RTÉ starts with its own staff and Board. And from there it can start to build trust with the Oireachtas, its audience, the independent production sector and the public,” she continued.
“A further essential change by the Director General is the announcement regarding a Register of Interests. This is crucial in terms of the transparency needed at RTÉ and to ensure accountability at the station.
“The commitment of the Director General to rigorous governance processes and an end to secret decision making is vitally important. These are the first steps towards helping restore public confidence in RTÉ.
“The Board’s statement this morning in support of the Director General’s announcement is a positive signal in this regard. These actions will complement the work that the Government-commissioned external examination will do in assessing governance, culture, HR matters and contractor remuneration at RTÉ.”
“Furthermore, I also value the commitment made last week by the Director General for full cooperation with the external forensic accountant who will be appointed this week,” Ms Martin wrote.
“The Director General’s commitment to engage with the independent production sector, as well as his intention to meet with the Raidió na Gaeltachta, Nuacht RTÉ, TG4 and regional teams is also important.
“Now is the time for a reset right across RTÉ and I await the Director General’s further announcements later today in respect of the new Interim Leadership Team,” she added.
