CommitmentsENG_228x297.qxd 11/5/05 12:46 pm Page 1 english Statement of Commitments 2005

Transcription

1 CommitmentsENG_228x297.qxd 11/5/05 12:46 pm Page 1 english Statement of Commitments 2005

2 CommitmentsENG_228x297.qxd 11/5/05 12:46 pm Page 2 Statement of Commitments 2005 RTÉ is proud to be Ireland s Public Service Broadcaster that sets and meets standards to the highest levels of accountability. As part of this process RTÉ publishes an annual Statement of Commitments to its audience commitments which can be independently assessed at the end of each year. The Statement of Commitments reflects RTÉ s responsibilities as outlined in the Public Service Broadcasting Charter published by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in June The purpose of the Charter is to provide an understanding to the people of Ireland of what is expected of RTÉ in return for the significant public funds provided to it from the proceeds of the Licence Fee. RTÉ details, in its Annual Report, how each commitment has been met; this document is available on the organisation s website. In response to the Charter the RTÉ Authority published Guiding Principles Implementing the Public Service Broadcasting Charter which details the core values and goals of the organisation and an outline plan, by each division of the organisation, for achieving the goals over the period These plans will be updated annually and will also be reflected in the Statement of Commitments. RTÉ s three core values are: Connecting with all our audiences always put the audience first and be a universal free-to-air service reflect the diverse values of the people of Ireland, specifically cultural, including language, religion and regional needs across all age groups provide high quality, popular programming and services including archives be creative in our output, with the confidence to take risks Providing a value for money service provide a quality and efficient service on a value for money basis operate in a fair and transparent manner be a cost efficient organisation attracting maximum revenues to optimise output fulfill our role as the National Public Service Broadcaster while being flexible enough to respond to changing needs Being Ireland s premier, independent provider of definitive News and Current Affairs material, both national and international be accurate and impartial in all News coverage provide insightful and challenging Current Affairs coverage Corporate Commitments In 2005 RTÉ will: focus on year one of implementation of the Guiding Principles Implementing the Public Service Broadcasting Charter to ensure we meet our responsibilities under the Public Service Broadcasting Charter develop, for consideration and adoption by the new RTÉ Authority, a 5-year plan based on principles articulated in RTÉ s Guiding Principles Implementing the Public Service Broadcasting Charter work with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to facilitate the development of the most appropriate Digital Broadcasting Strategy for Ireland be the Premier Partner of Cork 2005 (European Capital of Culture) and work with the organisers to maximise the opportunities for the city and the country while benefiting RTÉ s output and relationship with the region develop a position on the organisation s Corporate Social Responsibilities for consideration and adoption by the new Authority and subsequent publication ensure the organisation is in a position to meet the new legislation on language requirements likely to be scheduled for implementation by RTÉ in late 2005 or early 2006 facilitate the work of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in the development of a new legislative framework for RTÉ and other Irish regulated broadcasters consolidate the strategic relationship developed in 2004 with Metro Éireann and the Amateur Council of Ireland ensure corporate sponsorships deliver maximum output opportunities for IBDs maintain the very high level of accountability and transparency developed over recent years as evidenced by the Code of Fair Trading, new format Annual Report, Complaint Procedures etc.

3 CommitmentsENG_228x297.qxd 11/5/05 12:47 pm Page 3 RTÉ One s schedule highlights for 2005 will include: will continue to give expression to one of RTÉ's core public service remits by telling Irish stories to Irish viewers return of The Clinic and Proof with new series Showbands (transmitted in January 2005) Whiskey Echo (series set among development workers in Africa, transmitted in January/February 2005) continuing with the extended Fair City schedule RTÉ Television As a direct result of recent increases in the Licence Fee there has been a significant increase in investment in home produced television programming; this has become apparent to viewers with a significant amount of new material enhancing the RTÉ Television schedules. The following tables indicate some of these developments. Home production both channels, all time Genre 2003 Young Peoples 479 Sports 754 News/Current Affairs * (min) *exceptional year: Olympic Games and European Championship Home production peak time RTÉ One Genre Music/Entertainment (min) Share % As a result of this investment and new programming focus there is an increase in audience reaction and appreciation. For example, there was a significant growth in RTÉ Television's National All Day and National Peaktime Share in Autumn RTÉ Television is committed to continuing this focus on home production; it is clearly what the audiences want. There will also be a focus on quality improvement in Lifestyle sees the return of many favourites and the introduction of new series to what has always been a very popular category of programming Showhouse (a new interiors show) Show me the Money (transmitted first quarter of 2005) Time on Their Hands (a new travel series for older people) No Frontiers House Hunters in the Sun Off the Rails Townlands Ear to the Ground Wild Trials Documentaries are a key part of RTÉ's schedules and a hallmark of good quality Public Service Broadcasting. Returning series of existing favourites include Secret Sights, Mono, Would You Believe, Meet the Parents, The View and Scannail. New programmes include: The Asylum (a major new series set inside one of Ireland's biggest psychiatric hospitals) The Colony (an International Living History series) Gallipoli (recording the ill-fated World War 1 campaign) political history series (exploring the life and times of Charles Haughey and Fianna Fail) The Year London Blew Up (the IRA bombing campaign of 1974) The Family Silver (dealing with family disputes about land, property and wills, transmitted in early 2005) Cursaí Ceoil (revisits archive of musical performances from Cursaí) Hidden History and Arts Lives there will also be new series on the Third World, the European Constitution and Disability Entertainment and Music Programmes which have proved very popular will be returning and new series include: Class Reunion (transmitted early 2005) a new late evening entertainment series a new performance-based traditional music series a new classical music programme RTÉ Two: Pure Mule (playwright Eugene O'Brien takes a wry look at the mating game in the Midlands) a new series for year olds Desperately Seeking Surgery (transmitted early 2005) How Low Can You Go (a new series on low budget travel) Theme Nights Entertainment and Music two new comedy series based around Irish performers The Ex-Files (a new dating/relationship show, transmitted in early 2005) an Irish Candid Camera type series a new scripted performance-based comedy series Young Peoples over 600 hours of Irish made programmes specially for younger viewers special event programming theme weeks new series of documentaries from across Europe development of interactive elements for programmes RTÉ Television Sport The highlights from RTÉ Television Sport s coverage during 2005 include: GAA Championship - close to 50 games live on RTÉ Television, along with highlights, in-depth analysis and lively debate; highlights action from the National Football and Hurling Leagues in Sunday Sport Soccer conclusion of the Republic of Ireland s qualifying campaign for World Cup 2006 and comprehensive coverage of the Champions League, live Premiership, Eircom League and FAI Cup action. all of this season s RBS Six Nations rugby; Autumn internationals against New Zealand and Australia; and Munster and Leinster in the Heineken Cup a new RTÉ Racing Show programme will preview Cheltenham, Galway, Punchestown and the Irish Derby and many other race meetings which will be comprehensively covered Golf live coverage of the Augusta Masters and Irish Open Golf and comprehensive highlights of the Smurfit European Open live coverage of the Moto GP season the RDS Horse Show and show jumping from Salthill Athletics live coverage of the National Championships and highlights of the European Indoor Championships and the Cork City Sports Boxing live coverage of the National Amateur Boxing Championships, and coverage of Professional Boxing Live snooker, basketball and hockey A new, comprehensive, monthly round-up of Irish Sport from around the country Subtitling Subtitling makes our programmes more accessible for those who are deaf or hearing impaired. RTÉ will continue to optimise subtitling of programmes in consultation with those working in the sector supporting the hearing impaired

4 CommitmentsENG_228x297.qxd 11/5/05 12:47 pm Page 4 RTÉ News and Current Affairs The RTÉ News and Current Affairs Division provides programming and material to RTÉ Television, RTÉ Radio and RTÉ Publishing to allow these Divisions meet their commitments to provide appropriate news services. RTÉ Radio RTÉ Radio s role is to tell the story of a changing Ireland through continuing conversations with its listeners and through the rich and varied mix of archive and new material. Day by day, the four channels aim to be the essential checkpoints for news, information and insights into all aspects of life as currently lived whether the forum is politics, culture, sport, entertainment or other. The RTÉ Radio Commitments for 2005 will broaden the channels appeal and deepen their engagement with the audience. Each year, RTÉ Radio reaches out to new listeners, and the priorities for 2005 build on the commitments fulfilled over the past two years. RTÉ Radio 1 will explore our changing sense of community in weekly social documentaries make opportunities for new broadcasters, writers and performers in Irish and English strengthen coverage of regional affairs and local government enhance its news and current affairs with investigations that go beyond the headlines and the breaking stories RTÉ 2fm will support students with examination help, radio workshops in schools, and the Transition Year (TY) Radio series record new bands and cover summer music festivals broadcast more than 300 hours of programmes from around the country maintain its dedicated daily news and weekly sports programmes devote 8 hours a week to alternative Irish music RTÉ Raidio na Gaeltachta will extend its drama output with single plays, a weekly series, and special commemorative work source entertainment and features programmes from around the country increase its hours of newly produced factual programmes enhance its service for younger listeners continue its coverage of news and current affairs international, national and local RTÉ lyric fm will commission new music from Irish composers and new Irish writing continue to expand its outreach programme bringing music and radio to schools offer more concerts and performances from Ireland for relay around Europe broadcast music from regional festivals, venues and events all over Ireland maintain its news service as extended in 2004 In its publication Guiding Principles Implementing the Public Service Broadcasting Charter the RTÉ Authority identify one of the three core values of the organisation as: being Ireland s premier, independent provider of definitive News and Current Affairs material, both national and international be accurate and impartial in all News coverage provide insightful and challenging Current Affairs coverage Research shows that RTÉ One Television and RTÉ Radio 1 are the stations to which people in Ireland turn for News of key events and at times of national significance. This gives these channels a particular responsibility in terms of their high quality News and Current Affairs. The other channels, RTÉ Two, RTÉ 2fm, RTÉ lyric fm and RTÉ Raidio na Gaeltachta, also provide a first class News service tailored to their specific audiences and will continue to do so during RTÉ Performing Groups During 2005 the RTÉ Performing Groups will give a total of 185 public performances. These performances will include: 58 - RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra (RTÉ NSO) 82 - RTÉ Concert Orchestra 28 - RTÉ Vanburgh String Quartet 6 - RTÉ Choirs 8 - RTÉ NSO with the RTÉ Philharmonic Choir 3 - guest ensembles. The RTÉ Performing Groups will also engage in a total of 75 education-related performances, workshops and talks and be involved in Television, Radio and commercial recordings. RTÉ Publishing RTÉ Guide will publish twelve monthly supplements for Cork 2005, European Capital of Culture, to mark RTÉ being the event s Premier Partner other occasion / special event supplements a weekly Irish language column e Publishing will publish comprehensive guidelines outlining rte.ie's editorial and commercial policies on the web make RTÉ broadcast content available for distribution on broadband platforms (computers and mobile phones) grow the current RTÉ web audience by endeavouring to increase the average monthly page impressions by at least 20% launch new web sites, RTÉ Shop and RTÉ Travel redevelop the About RTÉ section into a better quality point of access for the audience maintain the analogue RTÉ Aertel teletext service as a popular and reliable 'one stopshop' for general information service

5 CommitmentsENG_228x297.qxd 11/5/05 12:47 pm Page Statement of Commitments RTÉ Television RTÉ One Peak Time 117 Hours 117 Hours Showbands Whiskey Echo The Clinic Series 3 Proof Series 2 event drama, 2 x 1 hour major international co-production featuring leading Irish cast, 4 x 1 hour 10 hours new series of the acclaimed drama 317 Hours Includes: Arts Education Religious Entertainment and Music 233 Hours 353 Hours 240 Hours Mono multi-cultural series, additional 4 episodes, total of 6 hours. New Third World Series New European Constitution 1 hour programme Cursai Music Archive new series, 5 hours New interiors show New lifestyle programme Show Me the Money four additional episodes an increase to a total of 12 The Colony international living history series, 6 hours Gallipoli co-production recording the ill-fated World War I campaign, Modern Political History series Hidden History New Arts Lives series Major documentary The View Presents The Asylum Family Silver The Year London Blew Up 2 hours Charles Haughey and Fianna Fail 4 hours new history documentaries, 6 hours varied range of subjects including John McGahern, Sean O Casey, Horslips, and Spike Milligan, 6 hours on Rory Gallagher to coincide with 10th anniversary of his death minimum of 6 special episodes of this arts series new documentary series set inside one of Ireland s biggest psychiatric hospitals series on family disputes about land, property and wills the IRA London bombing campaign of 1974, 2 hours Regularly scheduled programming will continue, including The Late Late Show, Killinaskully, Winning Streak and Fame and Fortune, You re A Star, Coulter and Co., Daniel O Donnell New family entertainment show, Class Reunion with Gay Byrne New peak time half-hour family entertainment show New late evening entertainment series New six-part performance based traditional music series New Classical Music programming, 4 hours News, Current Affairs and Weather 582 Hours 557 Hours Regularly scheduled News and Current Affairs programming will continue (including Prime Time, Questions and Answers, Nationwide, The Week in Politics, Leaders Questions, Seachtain as well as all main news bulletins and programmes Additional or special programming will include: Coverage of the British general election and the Northern Ireland election Special coverage of Papal issues Nuacht special coverage of Údarás na Gaeltachta elections Nuacht documentary co-production with Galway office An increased number of programmes in Prime Time Investigates series Two Nuacht bulletins to be broadcast from Gaeltacht areas Extra summer editions of Nationwide Children s News service on RTÉ Two school of the month competition linking into classrooms Business News segment to be introduced to One o clock News Editorial focus on Africa and development issues tied into G8 and UN summits Special post-tsunami coverage from the affected regions Documentary on East Africa Documentary on Israel, in co-operation with RTÉ Sport

6 CommitmentsENG_228x297.qxd 11/5/05 12:47 pm Page 6 RTÉ Two Peak Time 56 Hours News, Current Affairs and Weather 94 hours Entertainment and Music 90 Hours 54 Hours Includes: Arts Education Religious 20 Hours* 78 Hours 95 Hours 40 Hours Pure Mule original television drama series from acclaimed playwright, Eugene O Brien, 6 hours. New drama series for 18-35s, 4 hours * Reduction in hours accounted for by rescheduling of Fair City Omnibus from RTÉ Two to RTÉ One afternoons as daily repeat RTÉ News on Two comprehensive Weather Forecasting Service two new comedy series, based around Irish performers new series that engages and challenges the audience in the age group Other Voices Songs From A Room Series 3 The Ex-Files Naked Camera Stew Reverb a new dating/relationships show a new Irish candid camera type comedy series Series 2, scripted performance based comedy series new music archive programme, 8 half-hour programmes Desperately Seeking Surgery series on Irish people having plastic surgery new series on low budget travel Festival of World Culture four Theme Nights on RTÉ Two, starting with a focus on Comedy RTÉ Television across both channels, all time Subtitling 4049 Hours News, Current Affairs and Weather 1127 Hours Young Peoples 720 Hours Sport 1029 Hours * *included Olympic Games, European Championships 3900 Hours 1069 Hours 650 Hours 700 Hours ongoing subtitling of Irish programmes including RTÉ News programmes, Prime Time, The Late Late Show, Fair City, Show Me the Money, House Hunters, Arts Lives, Off The Rails New series e.g. Tubridy Tonight, Class Reunion, The Ex-Files, Far Away Up Close, Go For It, Nabb d will all have subtitles. Children s News service on RTÉ Two Additional Prime Time Investigates and Nationwide programmes Additional Business strand as part of the 1.00 p.m. News coverage Comprehensive Weather Forecasting Service Special Event programming and Theme Weeks during school holidays and throughout the year. development of interactive elements, on-line and within programmes. a new series of documentaries from across Europe Highlights include: GAA Championship close to 50 games live on RTÉ Television, along with highlights, in-depth analysis and lively debate; highlights action from the National Football and Hurling Leagues in Sunday Sport Soccer conclusion of the Republic of Ireland s qualifying campaign for World Cup 2006 and comprehensive coverage of the Champions League, live Premiership, Eircom League and FAI Cup action all of this season s RBS Six Nations rugby; Autumn internationals against New Zealand and Australia; and Munster and Leinster in the Heineken Cup a new RTÉ Racing Show programme will preview Cheltenham, Galway, Punchestown and the Irish Derby and many other race meetings which will be comprehensively covered Golf live coverage of the Augusta Masters and Irish Open Golf and comprehensive highlights of the Smurfit European Open live coverage of the Moto GP season the RDS Horse Show and show jumping from Salthill Athletics live coverage of the National Championships and highlights of the European Indoor Championships and the Cork City Sports Boxing live coverage of the National Amateur Boxing Championships, and coverage of Professional Boxing live snooker, basketball and hockey a new, comprehensive, monthly round-up of Irish Sport from around the country.

7 CommitmentsENG_228x297.qxd 11/5/05 12:47 pm Page Statement of Commitments RTÉ Radio RTÉ Radio 1 Social Documentaries (factual) 26 Hours 26 Hours RTÉ Radio 1 s commitment in this regard will be maintained through 2005 with a slight alteration of focus from the institutional structures/ conduits of the Irish state to the nature and meaning of community within contemporary Irish society. This is a natural development of our commitment; a movement from a macro level consideration to a significantly more micro level examination of the relevant subject matter /Comedy for Younger Audiences 37 Hours 30 Hours commissioning writing and production of drama/comedy by new Irish Writers with particular emphasis in 2005 on writing and directorial talent in the under 30 age group Regional Focus (cross genre) OBs Agriculture Special Events Coverage ex Regions Local Government 67 Hours Sport - RTÉ Radio 1 Irish Language (cross genre) News & Current Affairs 1265 Hours OFF AIR SUPPORTING Commitments: (News & Current Affairs) 60 Hours New New 3 Hours 1265 Hours New New four main focus points one per quarter Qtr 1. Co. Longford; Qtr 2. Co. Fermanagh; Qtr 3. Co. Mayo; Qtr 4. TBC Agriview special series on decoupling series on 50th Anniversary of the IFA Young Social Innovators National All-Ireland GAA Club Championship Finals (March) All-Ireland Festival Athlone, Co. Westmeath (May) Tall Ships Festival Waterford (July) RTÉ NSO Regional Residency (TBA) One Summer School (TBC) National Ploughing Championships (Sept) Grassroots - new series Qtr 4 up to 5 new Voices on Air in GAA National League a new contemporary Irish writing series (6 X 30 mins) maintain enhanced News coverage of the Oireachtas and the European Parliament continuation of all main programming including Morning Ireland, News at One, This Week and World Report New programming to include: coverage of Dail by-elections coverage of British General Election and Northern Ireland election special series of programmes giving an in-depth focus on Africa and African issues over period of a month. Morning Ireland regional outside broadcasts at least once a month. full season of business programme The Business. Annual Nationwide Event RTÉ Radio 1 participative competition covering 32 counties (e.g All Ireland Active Age Talent Show Competition) Investigative Unit Investigative unit using material from daily talk shows as springboard to creating news stories leading to more breaking stories in the schedule, putting regional stories on a national stage and more behind the scenes work on international stories

8 CommitmentsENG_228x297.qxd 11/5/05 12:47 pm Page 8 RTÉ 2fm Student Access (Children s and Education) 27 Hours New & original music Production 56 Hours Regional (cross genre) 171 hours 155 hours Sports 52 Hours Alternative music 416 Hours News and Current Affairs 469 hours 9 Hours 10 Hours 25 workshops 2 major festivals 40 sessions 45 Hours 180 Hours Commercial 50 Hours 416 Hours 469 Hours examination focus a series of radio programmes made by transition year students, under the guidance of a RTÉ 2fm production team RTÉ 2fm will also give 25 regional and local workshops for transition year students on the art of radio coverage of Summer Music Festivals (Outside Broadcast) studio band sessions recorded in Studio 8 (day-long sessions) live music output maintain the Saturday Show (weekly) and the Breakfast@2fm (monthly) regional broadcasts dependent on commercial bookings through the Roadcaster (mobile radio studio) Weekly sports hour will be maintained 8 hours weekly focus on new Irish music, supporting composers, singers and musicians maintain the Newsbeat programme for under 35s continuation of all main News coverage RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta 12 Hours 10 Hours drama serial Cúirt an Mheánoíche 15 mins per week also one-off dramas through year Radio drama based on Brian Merriman s famous poem on the 200th anniversary of his death. 69 Hours 68 Hours Leagan Cainte SBB agus a Aoi Documentary / Features weekly expert discussion on language history and grammar x 26 hours weekly feature x 33 hours x 9 hours Young Peoples (Children s & Education) 34 Hours Regional (cross genre) 108 Hours News and Current Affairs 874 Hours 30 Hours 108 Hours 874 Hours Sport Iris Na nóg youth sports magazine presented by Dara Ó Cinnéide x 30 Tráth na gceist weekly quiz programme with second level schools covering 32 counties maintain 2004 level, for example Rogha John Spillane from Cork with singer/songwriter John Spillane Cois Laoi magazine programme from Cork Blas series with BBC Radio Ulster Súil Na Cathrach weekly magazine on life in Dublin Maintain existing News services plus a Current Affairs programme (for RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta) produced by Nuacht, TG4, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and RTÉ Radio 1 RTÉ lyric fm Education & Outreach 41 school visits Regional Music and Arts 215 OBs Music Commissions 10 Commissions 10 Broadcasts Speech Commissions ( and Arts) 9 Hours News 133 Hours EBU 40 school visits 215 OBs 10 Commissions 10 Broadcasts 9 hours 133 hours 40 offerings school visits, not broadcasts maintain coverage of regional festivals, venues and events maintain level of new commissions maintain and develop the extra hours of contemporary spoken arts maintain News Service improve offers of RTÉ Performing Groups and Irish material to EBU