EIGHT WEEKS TO SAVE RTE

Broadcaster in danger of running out of cash

- PAT FLANAGAN

RTE has less than eight weeks to save itself and keep the station afloat with a multi-million State handout in the wake of the Ryan Tubridy payments scandal.

The national broadcaster will have to undergo radical reforms and implement cost-cutting measures before the Government agrees to a bailout.

Media Minister Catherine Martin had sought an extra €16million for RTE in the upcoming Budget before the scandal broke, but more will be needed if it is to survive.

It is understood that director general Kevin Bakhurst and his management team have until September to convince the Government that changes have been made.