CASH STRAPPED RTE TO CUT COSTS IN 2002

IN view of the financial difficulties facing Irish broadcaster RTÉ, the Executive Board has reviewed the organisation's costs to adjust the budget and reduce the projected deficit for 2002.
The intention is to lower expenditure while maintaining the existing range of output services provided by RTÉ.
The results of the review will be presented as a detailed set of proposals for consideration by the RTÉ Authority at their meeting on November 9.
Following that meeting, detailed information about RTÉ's response to the current financial situation will be made available to all staff through divisional and local partnership.
The proposals will cover all divisions of the organisation. As a result, a number of in-house activities will cease, with the reduction of at least 160 posts and a significant reduction in the number of freelance engagements in RTÉ.
RTÉ's Corporate Partnership Group were informed of this approach when they met on November 7. (CD)