The RTÉ Director-General has promised protesting workers at the broadcaster’s Montrose headquarters that he will rebuild their “trust and pride” in the organisation.

Kevin Bakhurst spoke to staff through a loudspeaker as they held up placards urging the Government to properly fund the national broadcaster and safeguard its future.

It follows months of rolling controversies within the organisation and the resignation of former RTÉ Chair Siún Ní Raghallaigh last week.

'Rough few weeks'

Bakhurst thanked staff for their handling of the situation following a “rough few weeks”.

“I totally appreciate this has been a horrendous period for all staff,” he said.

“I’d like to thank you for the incredible efforts you’ve made to keep the organisation afloat and to deliver to audiences.

“The one thing I would say to you all is I’m absolutely determined to make this a better organisation to work in and to rebuild trust and pride in working here.”

Staff at RTE held a lunchtime rally today appealing for public service broadcast funding. Photograph: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie

RTÉ must now move on, according to the Director-General.

“We need to rebuild trust and pride in working here,” he said.

“That’s my job and I’m going to get on for it, so thank you very much and I appreciate you all coming out today.”

Poor decisions

National Union of Journalists spokesperson Emma O’Kelly said underfunding has been behind many of RTÉ’s poor financial decisions.

“We had huge exit packages but a lot of that was because those people were on big money,” she said.

“We need to get away from that and we are urging and imploring the Government to put in place proper and adequate state funding.”

Media Minister Catherine Martin told the Oireachtas Media Committee this week that she still had confidence in the Director-General.

Main image:  RTE Director General Kevin Bakhurst pictured at a protest outside Montrose today. Photograph: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie