RTE will decide next week E on how it will spend an extra £5 million in 1999 on programmes made by independent production companies. RTE has to spend 20 per cent of its programme budget with the independent sector next year.
Meetings were held this week at which various programme strands were considered. One of the programme areas which might be farmed out is the slot currently occupied by PM Live every weekday. As television executives ponder how to increase its commitment to the independent programme area, SIPTU members were balloting yesterday over proposals for breakfast television, some of which will be made outside RTE. The ballot concern changes in work practice and other issues. Proposals were invited for breakfast television. A spokesperson for Film-Makers Ireland (FMI), the representative body for independent producers, said it was its understanding that RTE was proceeding with breakfast television. RTE has also invited tenders to produce all or part of its horse-racing coverage as part of the expansion of the involvement of the independent sector.
RTE has had to increase its annual spend on independent productions since the former minister for arts, culture and the Gaeltacht, Mr Michael D. Higgins, introduced legislation compelling the station to increase its spend up to £12.5 million or 20 per cent of programme budgets by 1999. It is under increased pressure to invest in new digital technology and about to face domestic competition in TV3 for the first time.
RTE is spending £10 million this year through its independent production unit, which it estimates should rise to £15 million in 1999. That figure is being contested by E FMI, which says RTE should be spending £20 million.