RTÉ’s new Director-General Kevin Bakhurst has addressed the “influencer culture” at RTÉ, amid the ongoing payments scandal.
Brand deals between RTÉ talent and other companies have been subject to intense scrutiny ever since the Ryan Tubridy payments scandal hit headlines last month.
While the deals are separate to RTÉ contracts, it’s understood they have to be approved by a line manager at the state broadcaster.
Amid the ongoing payments scandal, Mr Bakhurst has announced the establishment of a Register of Interests for staff and contractors, which means all presenters at the station may be forced to declare their salaries.
RTÉ previously only shared the salaries of their top 10 highest-paid presenters.
Speaking to press outside RTÉ today, including Goss.ie, the new Director-General was asked to address the “influencer culture” at the station, and the issues that have arisen because of it.
Mr Bakhurst said: “I think the new Register of Interest that we’re drawing up as a matter of urgency will deal with some of these issues.”
“Some people will be allowed do things where they’re allowed operate within the guidelines, with the right permission to do it and the right transparency around it.
“We’re not going to prohibit everyone from doing everything, there just has to be a degree of transparency around it.”
When asked if there would be repercussions for people who breach the guidelines, he said: “Going forward, that will be part of the work.”
Last week, Doireann Garrihy removed an ad for a porridge brand from her Instagram feed, after it was taken in RTÉ 2FM’s studios without permission.
Doireann, who hosts 2FM Breakfast alongside Carl Mullan and Donncha O’Callaghan, landed a brand deal with Flahavan’s in 2022.
The deal, which saw her promote the brand’s porridge on her Instagram, was separate to her work for RTÉ.
The post was taken down on Monday, after RTÉ told the Irish Independent that the Dancing with the Stars host did not have permission “for the use of RTÉ facilities” for this advertisement.
Similarly, Lottie Ryan was ordered to remove an ad for a car company, that was filmed on RTÉ’s campus without permission, from her Instagram feed last week.
According to the Irish Independent, the video showed Lottie promoting a €50,000 Toyota car.
It was filmed at the back of the RTÉ Radio building, and even featured the RTÉ logo on a sign for a car charging point.
It’s understood the video was removed from Lottie’s Instagram feed after RTÉ was contacted for a comment on the clip.
A spokesperson said: “Permission was not given by RTÉ to Lottie Ryan for the filming or for the post in question.”
“RTÉ has comprehensive social media guidelines that all employees – staff and contractors – are contractually obliged to adhere to.”
“This matter has been addressed with her by management. The post has been taken down,” they added.
RTÉ later confirmed that Lottie, who announced her sudden departure from NK Management last week, had apologised for the breach of social media guidelines.
According to RTÉ’s journalism guidelines, use of the RTÉ campus “for any purposes” is by permission on a case-by-case basis.
