New RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst says there can be ‘no repeat of the siloed and at times secretive decision-making’ that were at ‘the root of the shameful events of the past weeks’ - follow all the latest developments with our live blog
members. So too commitment to gender issues but that cannot just be more talk. We have had enough of computer says no mentality.The speedy and comprehensive response of Government to Mr Bakhurst’s statement reflected strong approval and backing for the radical changes he has proposed for RTÉ.
Ms Martin said in her own statement, issued shortly before 8am, that Mr Bakhurst briefed her on Thursday and told her he would be standing down the executive board. This is a board that operates separately from the main board and is comprised of senior management. It was also welcome that RTÉ supports the work of the external forensic accountant who will look at auditing practices within the organisation.
I know that all of you are deeply upset and angry. RTÉ is full of talented and hard-working people who remain committed to delivering a vital public service to our audiences, and you have been let down by RTÉ management. I have heard many of your concerns already and I will continue to listen to what you have to say.
As you will no doubt have heard yesterday evening, Rory Coveney has resigned from RTÉ. I want to express my sincere thanks to Rory for his significant contribution to public service media during his time in RTÉ. I wish him the very best for the future.
In addition, Acting Interim Director General, Adrian Lynch has written to all relevant line managers in RTÉ seeking clarification on any potential breaches of RTÉ's journalism and content guidelines and meetings are under way in this regard. This is long overdue and as new cases come to light which continue damage trust in RTÉ, I’m sure you will recognise the urgency and importance of this process.
I will also be engaging with a broad range of external stakeholders; the independent sector in particular makes a valued contribution to RTÉ's output, and decisions about RTÉ have wider impacts within the media sector overall.I would like to thank all of you for the way you have maintained high quality and rigorous content and coverage during the last few weeks.
It was clear that the Executive Board, which was an oversight body, had been “kept in the dark” about the deals being made, but in some ways the board had been “lax”, said Mr Stanley. Having served on a number of boards, Mr Stanley said he knew that managers had a way of “keeping things from their boards”.
“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,” she said. “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, added Ms Martin.The RTÉ Trade Union Group welcomes this morning’s statement from director general Kevin Bakhurst.
“We met Mr Bakhurst on Friday with the RTÉ Trade Union Group and were heartened by his very specific commitment to working with trade unions as he seeks to rebuild the trust of staff, government, and the public.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
It is 'time for action', Kevin Bakhurst says ahead of first day as RTÉ director-generalBakhurst is expected to publicly outline his plans to “restore trust” in RTÉ on his first day in the role tomorrow.
Read more »
Kevin Bakhurst announces he is standing down board of executive management at RTÉMr Bakhurst said he looks forward to working with the RTÉ board and chairwoman Siún Ní Raghallaigh
Read more »
RTÉ pay crisis: Kevin Bakhurst announces he is standing down board of executive managementNew RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst said he has been appalled by the impact that recent scandals had on the public perception of RTÉ, the impact on the trust the public places in us, and the impact it has had on you all.
Read more »
Read the full text of Kevin Bakhurst’s email to RTÉ staffThe new director-general sent the message on Monday morning
Read more »
RTÉ executive board stood down by Kevin Bakhurst and top 10 earners revealedThe earnings of RTÉ's 10 highest paid presenters will now be revealed in the annual report every year, starting with Annual Report 2023 - a financial review is also on the way
Read more »