RTÉ facts for kids
.svg){kind=logo}
Logo used since 1995 with color blue & green, 2014 with low-green
|
|
|
Formerly
|
Radio Éireann (1960–1966) Radio Telefís Éireann (1966–2009) RTÉ (2009–present) |
|---|---|
| Statutory corporation | |
| Industry | Broadcasting |
| Founded | 1 January 1926 (as 2RN) 1 June 1960 (as Radio Éireann Authority) |
| Headquarters | RTÉ Campus,
Dublin
,
Ireland
|
|
Area served
|
Worldwide |
| Services | Television and radio, publishing and e-publishing, commercial telecoms, orchestras and performing arts, and related. |
| Owner | Government of Ireland |
| Divisions |
|
| Subsidiaries |
|
Raidió Teilifís Éireann (meaning "Radio and Television of Ireland"), often called RTÉ, is Ireland's main public broadcasting service. It creates and shares TV shows, radio programs, and online content. RTÉ's radio service started on January 1, 1926. Its regular TV broadcasts began on December 31, 1961. This makes RTÉ one of the oldest public broadcasters still running in the world. Its main offices are in Donnybrook, Dublin, with other offices around Ireland.
RTÉ is a special organization set up by law. A board chosen by the Government of Ireland guides it. A team of senior managers, led by the Director General, handles its daily operations. An independent group called Coimisiún na Meán makes sure RTÉ follows broadcasting rules. RTÉ gets its money from a TV licence fee paid by households and from advertising. Some of its services are paid for only by advertising, while others only by the licence fee.
Before it was called RTÉ, the organization was known as Radio Éireann. In 1950, Radio Éireann was one of the 23 groups that started the European Broadcasting Union. This union helps broadcasters across Europe work together. RTÉ also publishes the RTÉ Guide, a weekly magazine with TV listings and lifestyle articles.
Contents
What is RTÉ?
RTÉ is Ireland's national public service broadcaster. This means it provides TV, radio, and online services for everyone in Ireland. Its goal is to inform, educate, and entertain. It offers a wide range of programs, from news and current events to sports, music, and dramas.
How RTÉ Works
RTÉ is a "statutory body." This means it was created by a special law passed by the Irish government. It is not owned by a private company. Instead, it serves the public. A board of directors, chosen by the government, oversees RTÉ. This board makes sure RTÉ follows its public service goals.
Funding RTÉ's Services
RTÉ gets its money from two main sources. One is the television licence fee. Most homes in Ireland that have a TV must pay this fee each year. This money helps fund many of RTÉ's programs. The other source is advertising. Like many TV and radio stations, RTÉ sells ad time during its shows. Some of RTÉ's channels and stations are funded only by the licence fee, meaning they have no ads. Others use a mix of both.
A Look at RTÉ's History
RTÉ has a long and interesting history. It started with radio and later added television.
Early Days of Radio
The story of RTÉ began with radio. On January 1, 1926, the first radio station, 2RN, started broadcasting. This was the start of public radio in Ireland. It was part of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs, a government department. Over the years, radio became very popular, bringing news and entertainment to homes across the country.
Starting Television Broadcasts
Television came to Ireland much later. Regular TV broadcasts from RTÉ began on December 31, 1961. This was a big moment for Irish media. It meant people could now watch programs as well as listen to them. The organization was then known as Radio Éireann Authority.
Name Changes Over Time
RTÉ has changed its name a few times:
- From 1960 to 1966, it was called Radio Éireann.
- From 1966 to 2009, it was known as Radio Telefís Éireann. "Telefís" is the Irish word for television.
- Since 2009, it has been known simply as RTÉ.
What RTÉ Offers Today
Today, RTÉ offers many different services to the public.
Television Channels
RTÉ has several TV channels. These include:
- RTÉ One: The main channel, showing news, drama, and entertainment.
- RTÉ2: Often features shows for younger audiences, sports, and international programs.
- RTÉ News Channel: A 24-hour news channel.
- RTÉjr: A channel specifically for children.
Radio Stations
RTÉ also runs many radio stations. These include:
- RTÉ Radio 1: Offers news, current affairs, and talk shows.
- RTÉ 2fm: Plays popular music and has youth-focused programs.
- RTÉ Lyric FM: Focuses on classical music and arts.
- RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta: Broadcasts entirely in the Irish language.
- RTÉ Pulse, RTÉ 2XM, RTÉ Gold, RTÉ Jr Radio: Digital-only stations for different tastes.
Online and Digital Services
RTÉ has a strong online presence. Its website, RTÉ.ie, offers news, sports, and catch-up services for TV and radio shows. RTÉ also provides Saorview, a free digital TV service for Irish homes.
Other Important Areas
Beyond TV and radio, RTÉ also has:
- RTÉ News and Current Affairs: This team creates all the news programs.
- RTÉ Performing Groups: These include orchestras and choirs that perform music.
- RTÉ Digital: This division handles all online and new media content.
