RTE TO SEEK INCREASE IN LICENCE FEES

RTE have announced the loss of flagship entertainment programme, Coronation Street, and have indicated that they plan to press the government for a large increase in television licence fees.
The Irish state broadcaster was already set to ask for a £40 increase before the announcement that the soap opera will move to TV3.
The shift in channels is part of a £38.05 million deal in which Granada Media will pay £24.3 million in cash and assume £13.75 million in debt in return for a 45 per cent stake in TV3.
The expected loss of advertising revenue linked to Coronation Street, which occupies the top four slots on RTE’s ratings could undermine the financial basis of a radical restructuring plan aimed at returning the station to profitability.
RTE lost £16.6 million in 1999 and is heading for a £12 million deficit this year.
Under the proposed legislation RTE will dispose of its transmission network, retaining a 28 per cent stake. The purchaser of the network will be obliged to upgrade it to carry digital channels of which RTE will be awarded a guaranteed number.