RTÉ's annual report shows that the national broadcaster recorded a surplus of €2.3 million in 2003. This represents the first net surplus since 1999.
The figure is significant when compared with a net deficit of €56 million recorded in 2002.
Staff costs at the station now account for just under 50 per cent of total operating costs. Over the past 3 years, RTÉ has reduced its permanent employee headcount by 377 people or 18 per cent of its total workforce, 1,712.
Television licence fees account for slightly more than 50 per cent of RTÉ's total income. The 2003 report shows - for the first time - how TV licence fees are used .
RTÉ Performing Groups, RTÉ Raidio na Gaeltachta, RTÉ Lyric FM and TG4 received €41.2 million between them in 2003. This represents 23 per cent of licence revenues.
Radio 1 enjoyed licence fee support of €13.4 million or 8 per cent of the total. RTÉ 1 Television received €68 million, or 38 per cent, and Network 2 got €34.8 million or 20 per cent.
No licence fee money is given to RTÉ Network, RTÉ Publishing or 2FM.