Corporate Responsibility 2006 Audiences / Staff / Business

Corporate Responsibility 2006 Audiences / Staff / Business interactions / Government and Regulators / Environment The European Commission deﬁ nes Corporate Social Responsibility as a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders, on a voluntary basis. It includes managing change at company level in a socially responsible manner. Use of the term is gradually evolving and it is now generally referred to as Corporate Responsibility. 02 Foreword 01 04 Introduction 06 About RTÉ 06 The changing landscape 06 Acting in the public interest 07 The wider context

08 MEETING THE NEEDS OF OUR AUDIENCES 09 Understanding and responding to our audiences 12 Feedback from our audiences 12 Audience council 13 Safeguarding children 14 Informing citizenship 14 Reﬂ ecting our changing society 15 Developing talent 15 Working with communities 19 CASE STUDY Broadcasting for the hard of hearing

22 RTÉ STAFF 23 Employer of choice 23 Remuneration and working conditions 25 Welfare of staff 25 Position of women 25 Staff selection and development 26 Staff relations and partnership in RTÉ 26 Health and safety 27 Physical work environment 27 Responsibilities of staff 27 Support for charities 29 CASE STUDY The RTÉ childcare co-operative (crèche)

30 OUR BUSINESS INTERACTIONS 31 Our advertisers 32 Our suppliers 32 Independent producers 35 CASE STUDY RTÉNL and local communities

36 GOVERNMENT AND REGULATORS 37 Responsibilities of the RTÉ authority 37 (a) Corporate regulatory environment 38 (b) Corporate accountability 38 (c) Corporate compliance 38 (d) Self-Regulation 38 (e) External Regulation 39 A step further 39 Public Service Broadcasting Charter 41 CASE STUDY Transparency in the expenditure of public money

42 THE ENVIRONMENT 43 Awareness 43 Environment and the community 43 Continuous improvement 43 Property management 43 Procurement 43 Waste management 45 CASE STUDY Recent developments in environmental ‘best practice’

48 Feedback 51 Appendix 1 – RTÉ’s complaints process 52 Appendix 2 – Programme safety in RTÉ Radio and RTÉ Television 54 Appendix 3 – RTÉ lyric fm’s Breakfast Club Gazette 02

For over 70 years RTÉ has been central to Irish life. FOREWORD 03

The impact of RTÉ’s broadcasts RTÉ is serious about Corporate RTÉ’s Values are to: and activities far outweigh the Responsibility (CR) and this fi rst } Operate in the public interest, impact that any other media group report is in large part consultative. providing News and Current has had; this is in part because, as It is an initial report identifying Affairs that is fair and impartial, Ireland’s Public Service Broadcaster key areas of responsibility, accurate and challenging (PSB), RTÉ is an organisation built on giving specifi c examples of CR } Connect with our audiences by trust, and works to ensure that: activities and, most importantly, understanding and satisfying seeking feedback. The next report, their needs } Audiences can trust in the truth shaped to a signifi cant extent by } Deliver a value for money service and impartiality of RTÉ’s News stakeholder feedback, will build } Be creative in everything we do and Current Affairs programming on this by setting realistic and } Be honest and transparent in all } Audiences can trust that RTÉ measurable ambitions. of our activities is independent from vested } Take personal responsibility for interests and free from political This CR Report is complementary to pursuing the Organisation’s goals control or infl uence RTÉ’s Annual Report and Consolidated } Be responsible to our staff } Licence Fee payers can trust Financial Statements and does and consider everyone as an RTÉ to give them a value for not cover the same ground; they individual money service in return for their complement each other. It is } Optimise the performance of payments designed to give the audience a each person, department, division } Staff can trust that they are sense of the diversity of corporate and the Organisation by working working for an organisation that responsibilities undertaken by together treats them fairly, gives them the RTÉ. There is nothing new in the } Respect each other and our opportunity for self-development practice of CR for RTÉ but we will diversity and makes a difference in society now report on it. } Take pride in everything we do, } Advertisers can trust that their everything we are and everything investment in RTÉ airtime brings In autumn 2005 RTÉ’s Strategic we create. them a good business return – Framework, detailing the Vision, ensured in part by the signifi cant Mission and Values of the Trust is the foundation stone of proportion of Irish programming Organisation, was launched. It is RTÉ as a Public Service Broadcaster. in RTÉ schedules clear from that document that Our audiences expect that they } Members of minority groups and for RTÉ to succeed it recognises can trust us to be independent, interests can trust RTÉ to seek to that it must be a good corporate impartial and honest in all of cater for their needs citizen. The key elements of that our activities. As we develop our } All stakeholders can trust framework are: Corporate Responsibility reporting RTÉ to provide high quality we believe it will give our audiences schedules available on a free- RTÉ’s Vision is to: an added measure of assurance, to-air basis and programming } Grow the trust of the people of which they deserve from their that respects the views of the Ireland as it informs, inspires, national Public Service Broadcaster. audience, enhances their cultural refl ects and enriches their lives. expectations and recognises regional interests and cultural RTÉ’s Mission is to: diversity. } Nurture and refl ect the cultural and regional diversity of all the Growing this trust is core to the people of Ireland Organisation’s PSB remit, which } Provide distinctive programming RTÉ is determined to fulfi l in a and services of the highest comprehensive way. This entails quality and ambition, with the building value for our audiences emphasis on home production and acting responsibly through all } Inform the Irish public by our activities and corporate actions. delivering, nation-wide, the best comprehensive independent RTÉ’s approach to Corporate News service possible Responsibility is based on the moral } Enable national participation in case that, as Ireland’s Public Service all major events. Broadcaster, we have a responsibility to do the right thing for Irish society. 04

RTÉ’s core public service remit is to bring Irish people programmes, and associated services, that inform, educate and entertain. Implicit in this is the responsibility for the organisation to be a good corporate citizen and to act in the public interest. INTRODUCTION 05

Just as our fi nancial performance is We are accountable to our measured and assessed so should stakeholders and we are the social and environmental determined to meet their legitimate dimensions of our activities. expectations of our services. Therefore this Report is an This means that RTÉ must live important fi rst step in the public its Mission and Values with commitment we are making to integrity, thus growing the trust the Corporate Responsibility (CR). In audiences have in the Organisation it we have highlighted the key and its services. RTÉ holds a stakeholders we have responsibility privileged position as Ireland’s PSB to and the areas where we need and must be consistently aware of to measure the impact of our the responsibilities that this entails. activities and report on regularly Our impact will be seen not only – in an open and transparent way, in the way we inform, educate and recording the good and the bad entertain but in a variety of other news in an impartial manner. We ways such as how we: have presented a case study in each key area to give a concrete example } Contribute to the enrichment of of current activity, to indicate the cultural life of the island of our practical approach to CR. In Ireland future reports we will set targets } Support the democratic process for improvement and report on } Refl ect the changing nature of successes and failures alike. Irish society } Reach out to the Irish Diaspora As this is our fi rst CR Report we particularly via RTÉ.ie start with a look at the wider } Meet the needs of the most context followed by a brief disadvantaged in our society description of our business } Help Irish people to bridge the and the changing broadcasting digital divide. environment in Ireland. The framework adopted for our CR Overall we must serve our Report may change in future years audiences as members of a but the key stakeholders and areas changing society – and not merely identifi ed will always be addressed: as consumers of our products.

} RTÉ’s Audiences, including communities we work with } RTÉ Staff } Business Interactions } Government and Regulators } Our Environment. 06 INTRODUCTION

About RTÉ The changing landscape Acting in the public interest The people of Ireland own RTÉ, and As Irish broadcasting moves to Despite the changing landscape it is a not-for-profi t organisation. a digital age, RTÉ is committed one thing will not change; the very It is approximately 50% funded by to developing and changing high expectations Irish audiences public money (through the Licence as necessary to maintain an have of RTÉ – and in particular the Fee) and 50% commercial revenue excellence of service to the people high editorial standards. They are (mainly through advertising and of Ireland. RTÉ must maximise on right to have these expectations sponsorship). RTÉ has undergone new ways of connecting with its and RTÉ consistently strives to major changes since 2000 and audiences – while not exacerbating meet them. RTÉ sets public interest has been restructured into six effects of the digital divide. Access tests for itself that include: Integrated Business Divisions (IBDs) to and use of the new wave of and a corporate centre. The six IBDs technologies will not be universal, } Fairness are: there may be a signifi cant group of } Accuracy “digital have-nots”, and it is critical } Impartiality } RTÉ News and Current Affairs that we ensure broadcasting does } Objectivity } RTÉ Television – operating two not become a source of division } Independence from vested channels, RTÉ One and RTÉ Two. rather than of unity. RTÉ will interests and freedom from In addition RTÉ, at the behest work to ensure that everyone is political control or infl uence of Government, has established informed of the new reality, of the } High quality schedules available a third national television advantages of digital, and helped to to all (i.e. universally available service TG4 which operates bridge the digital divide. and free to air) autonomously under the aegis } A signifi cant proportion of of RTÉ on the basis that it will be This will mean changes for the programming originating in established as an independent audiences and indeed for RTÉ itself. Ireland service. This will be very challenging but } Schedules that include } RTÉ Radio – operating four RTÉ will respond – it has responded programming for minority groups channels, RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ 2fm, well to challenges and undergone and interests RTÉ lyric fm and RTÉ Raidió na major changes in the recent past } Schedules that respect the views Gaeltachta as it moved from being close to of the audience and enhance } RTÉ Publishing – the RTÉ Guide, a monopoly broadcaster to being their cultural expectations RTÉ Aertel and RTÉ.ie a major player in what has been } Programming that recognises } RTÉ Performing Groups – described as the most competitive regional interests and cultural RTÉ National Symphony broadcasting market in Europe. diversity Orchestra, RTÉ is critically aware that there } Programming that encourages RTÉ Concert Orchestra, RTÉ is no room for complacency and understanding and tolerance Vanbrugh Quartet, RTÉ Cór na that it will continually have to } Programming that is imaginative nÓg and the RTÉ Philharmonic change, and indeed reinvent itself, and original. Choir to meet the changing needs of its } RTÉNL – a wholly owned audiences. We want all our services to meet subsidiary company, which runs these tests and all our audiences the transmission network. to know that they can trust the integrity of our programmes. More than anything else audiences in Ireland look to RTÉ for an impartial news service and excellent Irish programmes across all genres: soap operas to sport, lifestyle activities to contemporary drama. We aim to meet these requirements – and to do much more. We aim to play a signifi cant and lasting role in Irish life – to make a difference. INTRODUCTION 07

The wider context RTÉ has a unique position in Irish } RTÉ’s Audiences, including Corporate Responsibility reﬂ ects society but shares many CR issues communities we work with the core values of the society in with other companies – and with } RTÉ Staff which we live. This is true media organisations in particular. } Business Interactions of all societies and all individual The following chart (courtesy } Government and Regulators companies within societies. of KPMG LLP, developed for a } Our Environment. The European Commission together Media Forum on CR held in the with members of the business UK) expands on this – identifying The stakeholders/areas and the community is currently laying issues with distinct implications issues identiﬁ ed certainly span the foundations for an open for media. As mentioned earlier the entire CR landscape and hence European Alliance for Corporate our key stakeholders and areas of provide an objective and useful Responsibility. responsibility are: check list for RTÉ.

Informing public Investing in and opinion Freedom of supporting staff expression Digital divide Audience needs Media literacy reflected in output Corporate Human rights governance Culturally Citizenship Plurality Charitable issues diverse output promoted Transparent ownership Community Integrity of Creative investment Treatment information independence of freelancers Social and environmental Education issues promoted Customer Transparent and relationships Privacy/theft responsible editorial Entertainment policy and gaming Privacy Data protection Supply chain integrity Intellectual property Valuing creativity Health, safety and copyright and security

Environmental Regulatory compliance Impartial and management and self-regulation balanced output

Key: CSR issues common Common issues with Unique CSR issues to all sectors distinct implications for media for media 08

Meeting the needs of our audiences. Most Corporate Responsibility reports identify customers and communities as two key stakeholders. In RTÉ’s case these two are combined into one group - our audiences who are at the core of all that we do, be it through programmes on television or radio, concerts by the Performing Groups, publishing via the RTÉ Guide, Aertel or Online. In all of these activities RTÉ must act responsibly and listen and respond to our audiences and the communities in which they live. Our responsibility is to all communities that make up Irish society – including those who are not commercially attractive. Meeting the needs of our audiences 09

The Broadcasting Act 2001 states that Understanding and responding RTÉ must: to our audiences As the national PSB, RTÉ is “…provide a comprehensive range involved in public life throughout of programmes in the Irish and the country. We receive unique English language that refl ects the involvement and views from cultural diversity of the whole island the public - with many of our of Ireland and include, both on programmes encouraging active radio and television...programmes audience participation. that entertain, inform and educate, provide coverage of sporting, Provision of programmes religious activities and cater for The main way that we impact on the expectations of the community viewers and listeners is through generally as well as members of the our programmes. Programmes community with special or minority can enrich the quality of society interests and which, in every case, as a whole and can touch people’s respect human dignity.” lives in a way no other media Section 28(2) (a) can. Television, radio and our internet presence have the ability RTÉ in its programme output to communicate to millions of across radio and television fulfi ls people the issues and arguments this obligation. RTÉ’s programmes surrounding responsible behaviour refl ect the interests and needs of and encourage people to take contemporary Ireland. RTÉ provides action, as well as expose unethical the vast majority of all television activities. We also provide people programming made in Ireland and with the tools to participate, learn that refl ects the experience of living and become active members of our in the country today. democratic society.

In this initial CR Report we address As a Public Service Broadcaster, how we meet the needs of our RTÉ must make programmes for audiences under the following minorities as well as majorities. headings: We must refl ect the full spectrum of opinions and values, attitudes } Understanding and responding to and cultures, interests and our audiences occupations that go to make-up the } Feedback from our audience patchwork of life in Ireland today. } Audience Council RTÉ’s programme-makers and } Safeguarding children content providers have a special } Informing citizenship responsibility to refl ect in a fair and } Refl ecting our changing society generous manner the interests and } Developing talent values of all the people in Ireland. } Working with communities. Children form a special part of our This is not a comprehensive audience and they are catered for list; it is indicative of the many with special programming such types of interactions with our as The Den and services such as audiences and it is a list that will Music in the Classroom. A recent be amended, and added to, as our development is the e-gazette from CR reporting develops in the years RTÉ lyric fm’s breakfast show which to come. We also present a case is attached at Appendix 3. study on how we have worked with members of one particular sector of our Television audience who have special requirements and expectations – those who are hard of hearing and need access to subtitling for programmes. 10 Meeting the needs of our audiences

Gearóid Grant at an RTÉ/The Irish Times Music in the Classroom concert with audience of primary school children

RTÉ has a statutory duty, under Audience involvement In 2004 the BCC forwarded to existing Broadcasting Legislation We are aware that we do not always RTÉ 135 complaints related to and the Charter on Public Service meet the needs of our audiences. programming and 30 about Broadcasting, to broadcast in Irish. But we always try to listen to them ads - three complaints about Our Guiding Principles also commit and respond appropriately. We have programmes (two referring to the us to ensuring the production a well-defi ned RTÉ Complaints same programme) were upheld. of high-quality content in both Procedure (see Appendix 1) to English and in Irish. RTÉ already which members of the audience In 2005 the BCC forwarded to has discreet operations which have easy recourse. If a member of RTÉ 145 complaints related to function almost entirely through the audience is dissatisfi ed with programmes and 37 about ads the medium of Irish (RTÉ Raidió na our response, or declines to use – 12 complaints about programmes Gaeltachta, TG4, Nuacht RTÉ our procedure, s/he has the right were upheld (eight referred to the and Nuacht TG4) and we are to complain to the Broadcasting same programme). Thankfully committed to actively supporting Complaints Commission (BCC) most of our interactions with the use of Irish in everyday life that we are not meeting our our audiences are positive and through the production of suitable statutory requirements in regard to we work hard to ensure we have programming. impartiality, objectivity, standards as much information as possible of taste and decency, privacy, on how they react to our output It is, of course, our duty to make adherence to advertising codes, etc. so we can seek to enhance our programmes people can trust and understanding of their needs. A key that are of the highest quality, The BCC allows RTÉ to make way of gathering this information impartial, fair and accurate. a submission in response to is through research. This audience To maintain this we have in complaints. In approximately half research takes two forms: place editorial values, producer the complaints the complainant guidelines and other policies. accepts RTÉ’s submission and } Joint Industry Qualitative But we don’t always get it right. the complaint is judged to have and Quantitative Research Our continued efforts to improve been withdrawn. If, however, the – focusing on information dialogue with audiences help us complainant is not satisfi ed with relating to audience fi gures to learn. They also enable us to RTÉ’s response, the Commission for television, radio, and develop better, more engaging and views the offending programme publishing and of interest to all effi cient ways of fulfi lling our public and comes to its adjudication. The media organisations and those volume of complaints upheld by service duties. interested in advertising; the the BCC remains gratifyingly low. research is jointly commissioned by the interest groups In 2003 the BCC forwarded to } Specifi c research commissioned RTÉ 88 complaints related to by RTÉ. programming and 13 about ads - only one complaint against programmes was upheld. Meeting the needs of our audiences 11

Joint Industry Qualitative and Quantitative Research (a) Television research For more than 40 years, RTÉ has led research on television viewing in Ireland, and has, in recent years, ensured that the Television Audience Measurement (TAMs) system in operation has responded positively to the rapidly changing regulatory and technological environment. This ensures that broadcasters and other interested parties such as advertisers, Irish and non-Irish, can evaluate programme performance using extremely detailed audience viewing data that is statistically reliable.

The TAM service, which uses state Michael Lyster presents The Sunday Game, one of the most popular of the art electronic metering sports programmes on RTÉ Television technology, provides overnight programme ratings data, on a (c) Programme appreciation (d) Research on publications minute-by-minute basis, across a variety of demographic groupings While the mechanisms for The Joint National Readership for subscribing Irish and non-Irish measuring the size and Survey (JNRS) commenced with television channels as well as composition of audiences for both the July 2002 to June 2003 release. quarter-hour ratings for a total of television and radio programmes It is now published twice yearly 17 channels and periodic statistical in Ireland have become more and provides reliable estimates data on more than 200 additional sophisticated over time, of readership of newspapers and channels. quantitative measures have in-built magazines in Ireland and Special constraints. Interest Group information for all (b) Radio research adults. Lansdowne Market Research For more than 50 years, RTÉ has Qualitative measures have conducts the survey on behalf of pioneered research on radio been incorporated into the TAM the industry. listening in Ireland and has been system to provide a programme appreciation facility to viewers, central to the organisation of joint Speciﬁ c research commissioned where they are asked to register industry committees to ensure by RTÉ that both advertisers and all radio their appreciation or lack of stations receive accurate and appreciation of the programme RTÉ commissions its own reliable data for programming and they have just watched. However, qualitative and quantitative airtime sales purposes. this facility has not been heavily research from independent and utilised by users to date. reputable market research agencies The current joint industry to gain information on various research survey, the Joint National There is no joint industry topics such as: Listenership Research (JNLR), mechanism for determining levels of appreciation among listeners to commenced in 1990 shortly after } Issues of Corporate concern radio programmes. independent commercial radio } Audience reaction to speciﬁ c RTÉ stations began broadcasting. services/outputs } Developing insights into our The research methodology used audiences through the analysis for radio research since 1953 has of changing demographic and been the face-to-face “day-after lifestyle patterns. aided recall” interview system. The JNLRs have traditionally been available on a six-monthly basis but since August 2005 they have been available quarterly. 12 Meeting the needs of our audiences

(a) Issues of Corporate concern Feedback from our audiences All contacts are noted and a The public interest tests that Every Licence Fee payer has the weekly report based on all relevant RTÉ sets itself in relation to high right to comment on any aspect comments is circulated to editorial editorial standards require periodic of RTÉ’s services and we want meetings to inform the review of evaluation by way of survey to be easily accessible and fully the week’s output. questionnaires. This lets us know responsive to all comments – and what the audience thinks of RTÉ particularly to responsible criticism. In the case of programmes which generally and of what RTÉ provides. may cause distress (for example, On a three-yearly cycle since the Almost all RTÉ programmes now the Stardust drama or some recent late 1980s, RTÉ has commissioned have email addresses to facilitate storylines on Fair City) relevant one of Ireland’s leading market direct contact from listeners/ help-lines and websites are given research agencies to evaluate RTÉ’s viewers. But RTÉ also runs a out and frequently the Information Corporate Reputation. dedicated Information Service, via Offi ce operates extended hours. both telephone lines and emails, More recently, RTÉ has undertaken to receive and deal with comments Audience Council research on the Corporate Brand from members of the public. In In its application for a Licence Fee and on the ways we market our 2005, there were some 37,500 increase in November 2002 RTÉ output. The results of this help us telephone calls and almost 9,000 said: present our output in the ways that emails responded to by this service best meet audience requirements. alone; there were many thousands “The relationship between the audience of other queries addressed by and the broadcaster can be very (b) Audience reaction to specifi c individual programme lines. uneven yet good communications RTÉ services/outputs between the two are vital for the The volume and diversity of The nature of the calls and emails ongoing development of a truly relevant RTÉ services/output frequently varies enormously. The contacts service. RTÉ is committed to being open requires strategic research to be can be broadly classifi ed as follows: to its audience, welcoming all contact commissioned. The requirements with them, listening to their views and and methods differ from project } Straightforward queries – seeking responding promptly and appropriately. to project but the objective of information about output. This To facilitate communication, and all commissioned research is category includes audience to enhance accountability, RTÉ has to establish a comprehensive members seeking further decided to establish an Audience understanding of audience information about material Council.” expectations and reactions on an covered in a programme; ongoing basis. wondering if a programme is The Organisation subsequently going to be repeated, clarifying established the Audience Council (c) Insights into our audiences times of broadcasts etc. and it acts as an advisory group Research projects such as Time } Complaints – varying from to the RTÉ Authority. The Council Budget Surveys update us on programmes not going out at the consists of 22 members – 11 who changing lifestyle patterns among scheduled time to material the are representative of organisations our audiences. Information from caller believes is inappropriate that have a specialist interest in bodies like the CSO and ESRI also for the time of the broadcast one or more of the key strands provide very useful information on to presenters mispronouncing of programming, ten individual our changing society. place-names to dislike of the members and one ex-offi cio dress of presenters member - the Chair of the } Praise – callers frequently call Authority’s Programme Sub- to convey positive feedback to committee. The Council elects a individual presenters or about Chairperson annually from among specifi c programmes or series. its members and a designated } Technical issues - faults in Secretary is provided by RTÉ reception, callers seeking advice to access subtitling } Miscellaneous – people look to RTÉ for information on all sorts of activities – where to fi nd the ‘impossible to get’ toy the week before Christmas, tickets for a U2 concert or an All Ireland football fi nal! Meeting the needs of our audiences 13

RTÉ received a lot of positive feedback from the audience when the Stardust drama was broadcast earlier this year

The tests of public interest RTÉ to ensure that Irish children and (a) As members of the audience has identifi ed for itself are in the young people have access to RTÉ provides hours of children’s interest of the audience, and are programming which refl ects their programming each day on RTÉ open to comment and feedback by cultural interests and the lives they Two television. This output is the audience; the Audience Council live in Ireland today. carefully chosen and monitored to facilitates this communication. RTÉ News provides a special ensure that it is suitable for the age focused news service to help groups of the children viewing. In The members of the Council, which children understand Ireland and the evening time RTÉ ensures has a four-year term of offi ce from the wider world. that all programming up to the January 2004, participate on a watershed is suitable for family voluntary basis being reimbursed RTÉ Television observes a 9.00pm viewing. In the post watershed vouched expenses only. watershed – with a view to period RTÉ progressively includes ensuring that all programmes programming which may be more Safeguarding children broadcast before that time are suited to an adult audience. To On air, online and via the suitable for a general audience, assist parents and guardians RTÉ direct involvement of our staff, including children. puts on screen a symbol at the RTÉ believes it has special The Broadcasting Act 2001 gave beginning of every programme responsibilities towards children – to the Broadcasting Commission indicating the suitability of the who can be particularly vulnerable of Ireland (BCI) responsibility to upcoming programme for younger to infl uence from media. draw up new Codes governing all viewers. Broadcasters in the jurisdiction. In RTÉ believes that a relationship of furtherance of these responsibilities (b) As participants in programmes trust between the public and Public the BCI launched a Children’s In order to ensure that the working Service Broadcasters is essential. Advertising Code in January 2005 environment is a safe place for A particularly key part of that trust and is in the process of drawing children who are participating in is based on children’s programming up a Code of Programme Standards programming RTÉ provides training which should provide a safe and a General Advertising Code. The and guidance to all programme- but stimulating environment provisions of these Codes will apply makers. All of the legislative for children where they can be fully to RTÉ services. requirements are addressed; there entertained, challenged and are detailed rules about hours encouraged to participate. RTÉ, RTÉ has in place its own extensive that may be worked, rest periods, through its careful scheduling of safeguards for children, both as chaperone arrangements and programmes and its extensive members of the audience and as transport arrangements. The issue use of presentation information participants in programmes. of parental consent for children about upcoming programming, participating in programming is seeks to ensure that parents can also addressed. be confi dent that their children are watching suitable programming. In its home production RTÉ works 14 Meeting the needs of our audiences

Miriam O’Callaghan and Mark Little, presenters of RTÉ’s award-winning current affairs programme Prime Time

Informing citizenship RTÉ’s News and Current Affairs Refl ecting our changing society The word citizenship is used here is its output is subject to ongoing and Ireland has changed rapidly broadest sense, i.e. a member of Irish extensive review, through editorial over recent years and RTÉ has society. meetings at both Divisional a responsibility to provide and Corporate levels, to ensure programming that refl ects the Repeated surveys, nationally that an objective and impartial country and its people. and internationally, show that understanding of the public domain people receive the majority of is available to all the people of Both in its general programming their information about public life Ireland. and its specifi c programming from broadcasting. In Ireland, RTÉ aimed at new arrivals in Ireland, provides a comprehensive news In future reports, RTÉ could such as Spectrum, RTÉ consciously and current affairs service across consider issues such as: tries to provide the basis for an radio, television and the internet. understanding and welcoming From Morning Ireland at 7.00am } How can we best work with Ireland refl ecting the increasingly right through to the late night voluntary organisations? Should diverse nature of Ireland today. news, RTÉ keeps the Irish people we actively encourage people to We hope our programmes will informed about public life. The RTÉ become volunteers? help to explain difference and News website is a source of up- } How should we promote good promote greater understanding to-date and accurate information citizenship and encourage people between the communities that on Ireland availed of by numerous of all ages to participate more make up our society. One example professionals at home and abroad actively in society? of direct involvement is in the - including journalists, fi nanciers } The effects of new technologies Media and Multicultural Awards and diplomats. (internet, blogs) and the ‘citizen (MAMA Awards) held annually journalist’ phenomena – e.g. the in association with RTÉ. The At times of elections and referenda use of camera phones and eye organisation is also committed RTÉ provides extensive coverage witness accounts. to increasing Irish people’s of all campaigning, electioneering, understanding of world affairs, policy formulation, election counts both in mainstream news and and results. The comprehensive current affairs and also in specialist election coverage provided by programming such as the long- RTÉ over many years has been an running Worlds Apart. During the important contributor to how the past year RTÉ News and Current electorate understands Ireland’s Affairs adopted a focus on Africa electoral system of Proportional and there were two RTÉ Television Representation. series on development issues.

Meeting the needs of our audiences 15

RTÉ is committed to enriching } The RTÉ Francis MacManus Ireland’s cultural life by bringing to Short Stories Awards celebrated the fore top quality performances 20 years on air in 2005. The in music, drama and comedy that competition commemorates are not found on other Irish media. the life and work of Francis By doing so, we aim to celebrate the MacManus, (1909 – 1965), Writer creativity of Irish people and to take and Head of Talks and Features a lead in discovering, developing, in Radio Éireann, who was a commissioning and showcasing major fi gure in encouraging Irish new talent. For example, since its writers and developing radio as inception, RTÉ 2fm has had a track- a medium for the expression of record of supporting new Irish ideas and the promotion of new bands, giving airtime to demo tapes writing. The 2005 competition and providing young groups access attracted over 749 entries from to studio time. Also, for over 20 all over Ireland and from Irish years, the station has been running people living abroad. an annual competition to fi nd and reward young Irish songwriters. Two Working with communities other long-running competitions CR has been described simply as organised by RTÉ Radio are: ‘a business giving back to society’ – with the basic premise that the Participants in RTÉ Radio’s Active Age Talent Showcase pictured with MC, Gay Byrne } The RTÉ P.J. O’Connor Radio organisation should care about Drama Awards were established what its public / audience / staff to honour the late P. J. O’Connor, cares about. In RTÉ’s case this former Head of Drama in RTÉ includes a lot of our normal PSB Developing talent Radio 1, who was noted for his activities including: When we speak about talent, and encouragement of new talent. the need to develop it, people The aim of the competition is to } Responsibly addressing social immediately think of on-air talent. encourage new writers to radio issues – including creating This is of course understandable drama and to increase awareness awareness and challenging as people quite rightly expect of the possibilities and scope of injustices (e.g. the Prime and demand the highest calibre radio as a medium in the fi eld Time Investigates Leas Cross of talent in presentation, acting, of drama. In 2005, a record 365 programme in May 2005) interviewing etc. But RTÉ must writers from all over Ireland and } Meeting regional needs have a focus on the fi nding and overseas submitted dramas for – including regional and local nurturing of new talent for all consideration. The three prize- news; embracing the culture; aspects of the Organisation’s winners receive a cash award raising the issues and giving activities. An ongoing responsibility and, most importantly, the recognition and a specifi c focus for managers professional production of their } Connecting communities – at is the review of talent needs and plays times of celebration (e.g. All- succession planning – with the Ireland fi nals); state events (e.g. additional objective of ensuring a Presidential inauguration) and strong representation of both men at times of crisis (e.g. Foot and and women at all levels. Mouth). 16 Meeting the needs of our audiences

The reality is that communities Nuacht Pobail – The Nuacht Pobail Occasionally RTÉ engages with make-up our audiences - without initiative brought community community events because of their them we would not exist. We broadcasting to a national television intrinsic importance to Irish life actively engage with communities audience, encouraging grass-roots e.g. Fleadh Ceoil na hÉireann and the regardless of age, gender, creed, activity and participation and National Ploughing Championship. race, geographical location, sexual creating a sense of belonging. In In these cases RTÉ will go to the orientation, social class etc. March 2006, communities and/or location and ‘set up shop’ for a We exist to serve their national special interest groups throughout period of days. Live broadcasts broadcasting needs. But we the country were invited to submit will come from the venue and interact with communities in proposals setting out how they programme content will be related many ways beyond the provision of would put together an RTÉ Nuacht to the activities. RTÉ personnel, programmes. bulletin using local material and both on and off air, will be available sources. The Iveragh Gaeltacht to meet with members of the The following is an indicative list in County Kerry was chosen and public and answer their queries. of the type of focused engagements members of the community trained Audience members will have an RTÉ undertakes, addressed to in journalistic skills and had their opportunity to see just how a live specifi c communities - some news reports broadcast live on broadcast works, get to meet people communities are small, others RTÉ Television over the June Bank they are used to listening to on are so large they are almost Holiday weekend. radio or watching on television and national; some are very uniform collect some RTÉ merchandise! in composition, others are very Multi-culturalism – the Festival of Unfortunately we frequently diverse, but all are part of RTÉ’s World Cultures is considered by receive more invitations to attend audience. The items selected many to be Ireland’s premier inter- events than we can possibly accept. are designed to give a fl avour of cultural event with a diverse range activities, rather than provide an of activities for people of all ages. One very special on-going exhaustive list. Held in Dun Laoghaire, over the involvement is with the Arts last weekend in August each year, Community. As Ireland’s largest Mayo and Galway music – In late the Festival includes a wide range cultural institution RTÉ is proud to October 2005, the RTÉ National of street events, theatre, music, run RTÉ Supporting the Arts scheme Symphony Orchestra took up food and craft fairs. RTÉ became – which offers groups throughout temporary residency in counties the Festival’s media partner in 2005 Ireland the opportunity to have Mayo and Galway for a week to help facilitate the promotion of their activities promoted on RTÉ of music-making. The fi ve-day multi-culturalism in Ireland. Radio and/or RTÉ Television. Details residency programme was held in of the scheme are on http://www. partnership with the Royal Theatre, Transition Year Radio – RTÉ radio rte.ie/about/supporting_arts.html Castlebar and Mayo County Council producers travel to second-level with Galway and Mayo Education schools around the country where Centres supporting the educational they work with transition year strand of the programme. This was students and show them how to the fourth in the RTÉ NSO’s series of present, produce and research their residencies following earlier visits own hour-long radio programme for to Kerry, Donegal and Cork with two transmission on RTÉ 2fm. main objectives – bringing the RTÉ NSO to the regions and introducing Farmleigh Proms – presented in it to school students. conjunction with the Offi ce of Public Works since 2001 and designed Seachtain na Gaeilge – RTÉ works to encourage people of all ages to closely with the organisers of attend concerts in a relaxed and Seachtain na Gaeilge held in March of very beautiful setting. The Proms each year and designed to promote involve the RTÉ NSO, the RTÉ CO the use of Irish nationwide. We and invited musicians and are held provide pre-publicity, broadcast over a one-week period. For many special programmes and support it is a gentle introduction to serious the event across our output areas. music and it has become a key date in the summer calendar of families and small groups from throughout the island of Ireland. In 2005 over 160,000 people applied for the 10,000 tickets available free of charge. Meeting the needs of our audiences 17

Sponsorships When RTÉ commits to sponsoring an activity we seek to ensure the liaison will be of mutual beneﬁ t to the event and to RTÉ’s output i.e. it is related to our core business. Some recent/current sponsorships are:

Media and Multi-cultural Awards (MAMA Awards) – Metro Éireann is Ireland’s foremost multicultural newspaper and is also the organiser of the MAMA Awards which are now held in association with RTÉ. The Awards acknowledge, on an annual basis, outstanding contributions by the community and the media to the understanding of multi-culturalism in Ireland. Ernest Bishop accepting the award on behalf of Galway City Partnership who won the Multicultural Institution Category. Salome Mbugua (presenter of the Award) is to his left and Shalini Sinha (MC) RTÉ All-Ireland Amateur Drama is to his right Festival – Ireland has a proud tradition in amateur drama which had decreased in recent years yet there are many communities retaining an intense commitment to and passion for it. RTÉ has entered into a ﬁ ve-year sponsorship agreement with the All-Ireland Amateur Drama Festival - which includes ﬁ nancial support, on-air promotion and daily broadcasts during the Festival period.

All of these activities, and more, are embraced by RTÉ in conjunction with speciﬁ c communities. The beneﬁ ts for both sides can be immense. Communities get the opportunity to work with professional broadcasters and to tell their story on the national airwaves; RTÉ staff get the opportunity to work closely with the audience to create programming output that meets their joint needs. 18 Meeting the needs of our audiences 19

CASE STUDY Broadcasting for the hard of hearing

The hard of hearing, and their RTÉ Aertel also provides a representative groups, is a dedicated magazine section for particular sector within Irish use as a community noticeboard society which RTÉ has established - updated by and for the deaf and a close working relationship with hard of hearing community from over many years – starting in the their own offi ces. mid 1980s when the RTÉ Aertel (teletext) was developed and The technology has changed leading on to RTÉ’s investment in signifi cantly over the years and its subtitling service. In 1991, RTÉ in 2004 RTÉ invested b2m in a developed an in-house subtitling new digital subtitling system service to provide subtitles for and acquired the latest software Glenroe, the station’s fl agship drama available for their subtitling at the time. Four years later, RTÉ workstations. RTÉ’s annual subtitled the Late Late Show using subtitling budget is now over live subtitles. b1m and there are fi ve in-house subtitlers working on home- At all stages of development, RTÉ produced programmes. has benefi ted from the input of the hard of hearing community In 1999 RTÉ subtitled approximately and this has resulted in the 30% of its output during peak service of meeting their needs programming (6.00pm – 11.30pm) and requirements. These user on RTÉ One and 7% on RTÉ Two. groups have come to rely on RTÉ By mid 2005 peak programming Aertel for access to news, sports, subtitles were up to 90% on RTÉ and several other topics. On the One and 25% on RTÉ Two. recommendations of the user groups RTÉ concentrated its efforts The Broadcasting Commission on providing subtitles during of Ireland (BCI) began work on peak viewing (6.00pm – 11.30pm) the Access Rules in April 2003 which would particularly include and, in February 2005, following a news, current affairs and all major public consultation, produced the national and international events. following proposed targets and All election, budget broadcasts time-frames for each broadcaster. and political discussions are These targets are to be achieved now subtitled live with back-up between the hours of 7.00am information on RTÉ Aertel. – 1.00am. 20 Meeting the needs of our audiences

CASE STUDY } Table 1 – Subtitle targets Broadcasting for the hard of hearing Subtitling 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 RTE One 55% 65% 75% 85% 93% 95% 97% 98% 99% 100% RTE Two 24% 33% 42% 51% 60% 67% 73% 80% 85% 90% TG4 24% 30% 36% 42% 50% 56% 62% 68% 74% 80% TV3 12% 19% 26% 33% 40% 44% 48% 52% 56% 60%

Priorities expressed by user groups } Skills - it is acknowledged have always been a deciding factor that there is a lack of qualifi ed in determining RTÉ’s subtitling subtitlers, and that training output. RTÉ regrets that some broadcast stenography is issues raised during the public essential. There is no such consultation, undertaken by the training available in Ireland. BCI, have not been addressed and The recommended incremental as a result targets may not be increases expected for live achieved. Key issues: subtitling cannot be met without addressing this situation. } The time-frame is too short in the fi rst fi ve years and does RTÉ remains fully committed to not allow scope for changes in providing subtitles for the hard of technology. RTÉ has continuously hearing and implementing their monitored the development of preferences and recommendations new technological developments for programme subtitles wherever such as voice recognition and possible. We have increased broadband. RTÉ believes it is annual subtitling output year uneconomical and unwise to on year and will continue doing invest in such technology until it so – maximising the use of new is known to be suitable developments in technology.

} 100% appears to be an artifi cial RTÉ’s subtitling service now has and unachievable target. There its own webpage (http://www.rte. are cases where it does not ie/tv/subtitles/) which gives a list make sense to subtitle all of programmes that are subtitled programmes – e.g. programmes each day and an easy to follow made specifi cally for non-readers step-by-step guide to accessing (pre-school), and some fast- subtitled programmes from your paced sports – where the story television. is in the visual. To subtitle these programmes will not benefi t RTÉ holds a meeting with the deaf the audience, but will dilute and hard of hearing groups every resources and increase cost year so that they can raise relevant issues, discuss the quality of } Schedule considerations - it costs subtitles and recommend preferred the same amount of money to programmes for subtitling. The subtitle a programme going out 2006 meeting was held with off-peak as it does to subtitle representatives from the IDS a programme going out during (Irish Deaf Society), NAD (National peak viewing. The hard of Association for Deaf People) and hearing audience’s peak viewing the IHHA (Irish Hard of Hearing). is the same as that of the general audience and their priorities are for News and Current Affairs which air during peak 21 22

RTÉ Staff. RTÉ is a signiﬁ cant employer with 2,287 staff members at year-end 2005. The average age of male staff members is 40.87 years of age and of female members is 36.96 years of age. The work force is fairly well-balanced in gender terms with the male:female ratio being 1:0.85. Out of a total of 234 managers, 136 are male and 98 are female (58%:42% or 1:0.72). RTÉ Staff 23

Employer of choice } Supporting staff associations as RTÉ aims to provide both a appropriate including the RTÉ challenging and rewarding career Credit Union, RTÉ Sports & Social for existing and future staff. Club, RTÉ Benevolent Society Irrespective of the level staff } Supporting the RTÉ Childcare work at or the job they do, their Co-operative in the provision of contribution should be recognised an on-site crèche (see case study). and rewarded appropriately. RTÉ provides fulﬁ lling roles and RTÉ’s divisional heads/managers opportunities for staff to progress are required to review the and realise their potential. We performance of their staff on an continuously work to create an annual basis taking organisational environment where staff are change and other developments committed to and capable of into consideration with a view to achieving job satisfaction while determining their training needs. delivering RTÉ’s business goals. Divisional heads/managers are responsible for the establishment RTÉ is an equal opportunities of appropriate training programmes employer and endeavours to and must consider any other handle all relationships with its action that may be necessary for staff with understanding, courtesy personnel as required resulting and respect, recognising the from the staff review. individuality and dignity of each person. As part of RTÉ’s Human Resource policy all staff should feel that: The Organisation recognises the importance of: } They are kept informed on matters that concern them } Giving each staff member all } Their views are sought on appropriate knowledge of the existing practices and on organisation and of employment proposed changes that will affect conditions them } Offering each staff member the } Consultative committees in RTÉ opportunity to express his/her are used for a genuine exchange opinions freely regarding the of views organisation’s policies } They are provided with proper } Continuing to develop a facilities to redress grievances partnership process with staff, } They have a safe and healthy trade unions and representative working environment where groups all employees are treated with } Staff having the right to raise dignity and respect, free from concerns in relation to any harassment or bullying. speciﬁ c knowledge, or any properly grounded suspicions, Remuneration and working that they may have about conditions actual, or potential, material RTÉ employs a wide variety irregularities in a) the running of professional and highly- of RTÉ or b) the activities of skilled people – for example the colleagues, contractors, suppliers Organisation employs the greatest or customers (commonly referred number of musicians, actors, to as a whistle-blowing policy) journalists, producers and directors } Providing training and in Ireland. RTÉ seeks to provide development that staff need to each staff member with reasonable perform the job to which they working hours, affording enough are assigned and to provide for time for relaxation, family life and the needs of succession and personal development. redeployment 24 RTÉ Staff

In implementing a diversity programme the Organisation works to ensure best practice in work/ personal life balance. RTÉ acknowledges the growing social concern of employees to achieve a balance between paid work and the demands of personal and family life. RTÉ implements a range of practices that help people to combine and manage their working lives with responsibilities and interests outside the workplace. These practices are available to staff insofar as the arrangements of the business allow and include:

} Flexible working arrangements including job-share } Additional maternity leave on completion of the statutory Sinead Casey works in RTÉ Corporate Jenny Huston is a DJ on RTÉ 2fm period } Paternity leave } Career breaks } Tele-working – which is a way of working and not a job of work in itself. It means performing an allotted job electronically, usually from home rather than from the offi ce base } Crèche facilities - the RTÉ Childcare Co-operative provides onsite professional childcare facilities for the staff’s children from three months of age. RTÉ supported the establishment and ongoing maintenance of the Crèche and is currently addressing the provision of a new enlarged purpose-built facility. Henry Kelly works in RTÉ Radio The general policy of RTÉ in relation to rates of pay and conditions of employment will be to treat all staff fairly irrespective of grade and status. Remuneration and working conditions will be determined in relation to good practice in the community generally, the former always subject to RTÉ’s fi nancial Massimo Marraccini works in RTÉ Performing capacity. Fair treatment will Groups also mean the establishment of equitable differentials, monetary or otherwise, between different grades of staff. Such differentials should refl ect varying degrees of duty and responsibility, which will be determined as systematically as possible. RTÉ Staff 25

Annual leave will generally, and as Occupational medical services are mentoring programme was piloted far as possible, be allowed at the available to staff where the illness in Television with the aim of time the individual staff member or injury experienced requires encouraging career progression for wishes to take it, subject to the such intervention. HR Managers women within the Organisation. exigencies of the service by the have the facility to call on the staff member’s departmental services of a welfare specialist to The strategy was a key outcome manager. Leave without pay for assist in dealing with individual from RTÉ’s participation in Women short periods, in conjunction with cases as they arise. A number of Active in Diversity Equality (WADE) annual leave for private reasons or Health Screening programmes – a project initiated and funded by special reasons, is considered on have been offered to staff as part the Department of Justice, Equality its merit. of our proactive policy on general and Law Reform under the and specifi c health problems. RTÉ Equality for Women Measure of the Welfare of staff administers group schemes for Regional Operational programmes, RTÉ directs considerable time VHI, BUPA and VIVAS, affording National Development Plan (2000- and resources to dealing with staff a 10% reduction on annual 2006). the welfare of its staff as it is premiums. committed to the maintenance of Staff selection and development the highest level of occupational There is a comprehensive RTÉ Selection of staff for appointment health and welfare of its staff. anti-harassment and bullying to RTÉ is based on merit at This commitment is refl ected in policy available to all staff and all times and all recruitment the wide range of policies and designed to ensure awareness as procedures have this as the programmes administered by to what constitutes harassment, primary objective. RTÉ’s policy in Human Resources and all personnel sexual harassment and bullying regard to promotions is to promote policies which take account of and to providing a procedural the most suitable staff member the welfare of staff. The scope of framework for dealing with to any vacancy, having regard to the welfare activities is wide and complaints. A panel of Designated ability, experience and potential, provides for both the individual and Contact Persons (DCPs) is consistent with RTÉ’s obligations collective welfare of staff. available to provide confi dential as an equal opportunities advice, assistance and guidance employer. As far as possible, RTÉ provides a comprehensive sick in an objective manner with a consistent with RTÉ’s judgement pay scheme and all staff members view to resolving complaints of of its staff needs, a policy of are covered for occupational injury harassment, sexual harassment promotion from within the benefi ts. RTÉ has developed a and bullying. The prime objective Organisation is normally followed. number of insurance schemes to of this policy and service is protect staff in the event of long- to provide a safe and healthy It is the general policy of RTÉ to term illness, accident or death-in- work environment in which all provide the training that staff service. Apart from RTÉ’s general employees are treated with dignity need: personal accident cover which and respect. applies to all staff when working } To perform the job to which they away from base, RTÉ has a special New draft policies on Stress, are assigned policy to cover staff members Alcohol and Substance Abuse are } For self development who are required to engage in in development. } To improve their skills and hazardous activities when they are knowledge on duty for RTÉ. Position of women } For re-training where necessary As 42% of senior managers in } For the best possible motivation RTÉ recognises the requirement RTÉ are women the position is and morale to provide a safe and healthy reasonable but not as good as it } To encourage fl exibility and working environment and takes should be so the Organisation adaptability in staff enabling full account of the regulations has a Career Development Strategy the Organisation to grow and within the relevant legislation, which provides a series of develop. in particular the Safety, Health recommendations for developing and Welfare at Work Act, 1989. and enhancing the careers of RTÉ encourages staff towards self- Welfare services for staff are of women. These recommendations development and improvement two kinds: those administered by have been incorporated into of their skills and knowledge by Human Resources for the benefi t existing policies and procedures private study, normally in their of staff collectively and those where appropriate, for example, own time and with appropriate where Human Resources engage recruitment and selection, work/ RTÉ support. counselling or other welfare life balance and performance support. appraisal. Under this project, a 26 RTÉ Staff

Staff relations and partnership Health and Safety under gone relevant safety training. in RTÉ As the national Public Service The primary responsibility for good Broadcaster RTÉ ensures its staff Staff members, such as studio relations with staff lies with RTÉ as are provided with the facilities electricians and Outside Broadcast the employer. RTÉ is committed to and resources to maintain their (OB) technicians, who are required taking the initiative in seeking to safety at work. Furthermore, RTÉ to work at heights, have received create and maintain a climate of endeavours to ensure it provides mandatory safety training. harmonious relations with its staff, a safe working environment for RTÉ provides, every four years, trade unions and representative contractors, contributors and mandatory Safe Pass Training for groups. RTÉ endeavours to members of the public who visit staff with a liability to work in communicate effectively with our various premises and facilities. locations where construction work its entire staff both directly is taking place. and indirectly through various Legislative requirements representative groupings. It is RTÉ Under the Safety, Health & Welfare Other examples of good practice policy to conduct negotiations at Work legislation, RTÉ is required designed to ensure we meet through collective bargaining. to ensure a safe place of work. and where possible exceed all This means we must provide staff mandatory health and safety Partnership in RTÉ is seen as with safe systems of work, safe requirements are: a relationship whereby each plant and machinery and the side recognises that the other necessary resources to achieve this } Site specifi c safety plans are has legitimate interests and end. In order to comply with this, drawn up for all major projects rights, as well as obligations. RTÉ must set out in writing how to comply with the Safety Health Partnership implies that both it will achieve this requirement. & Welfare at Work Construction parties have common interests in Good practice is adopted to ensure Regulations, 2001 the success of the organisation, compliance with Health and Safety } ‘Permit to work’ systems operate its competitiveness, viability legislation and there is an Annual where they are required and prosperity. The parties are Report prepared by the designated } RTÉ monitors closely the committed to creating a shared Health and Safety Offi cer. operations of contractors on site understanding of the future of RTÉ with a code of practice specifying and to sharing the responsibilities RTÉ is completing the process of authorisation criteria and gains that fl ow from that compiling safety statements for } The introduction of Digital understanding. each IBD, identifying the risks Video Cameras required safety associated with broadcasting and awareness training for new RTÉ values and respects the views the management policy relating to operators and opinions of its staff and as safety in the workplace. The process } All Radio outside broadcast an indicator of this a climate of drafting safety statements staff have been trained in Risk survey was conducted in 2005 includes Hazard Identifi cation Assessment procedures and will be repeated in future and Risk Reduction Guidelines, } RTÉ has ensured the mandatory years as required. The survey was allocation of responsibilities and number of staff are trained in undertaken on an independent and a formal consultation procedure. First Aid and offered updating confi dential basis and the purposes Chief among these policies is the every three years and has were: requirement to train staff in areas exceeded the mandatory of safety relating to their jobs requirement by training all those } Help the Organisation better where risks cannot be eliminated. who have volunteered to date to understand the opinions of For example, where the job content participate in the programme staff members on a number of requires an individual to carry } In May 2005 RTÉ purchased fi ve key areas such as leadership, out manual handling, training is Automated External Defi brillators fl exibility and communication mandatory every three years. RTÉ and trained 46 staff in their use } Improve upward communications has identifi ed all these jobs and } Fire warden training is offered on } Take appropriate action in training has taken place and a a bi-annual basis to staff across response to the feedback. schedule is in place. Other areas the organisation for mandatory safety training } Optional fl u vaccinations are Results are being analysed, shared include journalists and crews with made available to all staff. with staff and action plans will a liability to work in war zones, all be developed to implement of whom have received specialised appropriate changes. Hostile Environment Training. Presenter/Reporters with a liability to use digital video cameras have RTÉ Staff 27

Responsibilities of staff The RTÉ Code of Business Conduct and the RTÉ Policy on Personal and Public Activities of Staff describe the responsibilities of staff in the areas of:

} Duty of care to the organisation } Protecting confi dential information } Protecting the Organisation’s assets } Confl icts of interest } Purchasing of goods/services } Equality } Commitment to stakeholders } Local communities } Personal activities outside RTÉ that may confl ict with impartiality.

Presenters of RTÉ Television’s The Den Support for charities RTÉ staff contribute generously Many of the features of effective Physical work environment and voluntarily to many different Health and Safety Management RTÉ is committed to providing a charities. In response to staff are the same as good management comfortable, and easily accessible, requests, the RTÉ Staff One World practices and Health and Safety work environment for all staff and Fund was founded in 1986 to issues are treated, legally and to ensuring that we are supporting channel some collective support morally, as equal to all other facets the environment in doing so. In to enhance the living conditions of management responsibility 2005, RTÉ replaced all existing for people in Third World areas within RTÉ. The Organisation PCs with 1,600 new PCs for users. through funding of community endeavours to be pro-active in New printing facilities were also based projects. The fund is fi nanced health and safety considerations introduced to encourage double by voluntary contributions from e.g. using pre-employment medical sided copying, scanning and RTÉ staff and RTÉ associates. Over examinations to ensure that printing, which minimises paper 150 projects have been funded to staff members are suited to the waste. Both of these initiatives date in areas in Africa, Asia and tasks assigned to them. Where were supported by training sessions South America and RTÉ supports training is identifi ed as a necessary for staff and training materials the fund by providing deduction at prerequisite for the job, it is which are available on the RTÉ source facilities and by occasional delivered. intranet, Marconi. Another initiative contributions. In 2005 these which supports the paperless included an anonymous sum of Partnership structures within environment is the use of the RTÉ money received for no known RTÉ enables locally nominated intranet. All internal documents reason and funds raised by staff safety representatives to raise are available to download on the participation in a corporate project. safety issues at local level with a intranet (e.g. staff handbook, referral mechanism to the Safety pension booklet, annual report) Review Group which consists of as well as on-line facilities for representatives from across the requesting annual leave, processing Organisation. The Safety Review expenses and fee payments. Group is chaired by the RTÉ Safety Offi cer and meets on a bi-monthly The open offi ce plan in RTÉ is basis. comfortable, with adequate spaces between desks and partitions between desks where requested. Water coolers are provided on every fl oor, as well as kitchen areas. 28 RTÉ Staff 29

CASE STUDY The RTÉ Childcare Co-Operative is The Crèche operates on a The RTÉ Childcare Co-operative a co-op of which the parents are commercial basis. However, RTÉ (Crèche) the shareholders. The shareholders subsidises it in a variety of ways. elect a Management Committee at the Annual General Meeting. A full- RTÉ: time manager, who liaises with the Management Committee, runs the } Provides the premises under a Crèche on a day to day basis. lease agreement } Pays for the heating, electricity The Crèche started from very and telephone costs humble beginnings in 1987 and has } Provides funding to the Crèche by expanded, improved and grown way of an annual grant. over the years to become the happy, caring and well-run facility it is In the past RTÉ has on occasion today. provided once-off funding for larger scale projects, e.g. in 1999 a It offers a fi ve-year childcare plan signifi cant project was funded on to parents with a highly qualifi ed, refurbishment and expansion. experienced and caring workforce providing stability and security for Currently RTÉ has obtained all the children. planning permission to construct a new Crèche facility. The RTÉ Crèche has an open door policy. Parents have access at any time of the day and staff members are always available to discuss a child and their progress with parents.

The Crèche caters for the following age groups:

} Baby four to 12 months } Tweenie 12 to 18 months } Toddler 18 to 24 months } Play Group 24 to 30 months } Pre-Monties 30 to 36 months } Montessori 36 months until entry to school. 30

Our business interactions. RTÉ operates under a Code of Fair Trading which has been circulated to all our main business contacts and which is available on our website at http://www.rte.ie/about/organisation/ fairtrading.html. There is a deﬁ ned process for dealing with complaints in relation to the way we trade and we are, of course, subject to national and European regulations. Our business interactions 31

Our key business stakeholders from Our advertisers a CR perspective are: RTÉ is a jointly funded organisation with approximately 50% of our } Advertisers annual funding coming from the } Suppliers, including contractors/ public, through the Licence Fee, sub-contractors and 50% coming from commercial } Independent Producers of sources – mainly through programmes. advertising and sponsorship.

The organisation strives to be There are a signiﬁ cant number of completely honest and fair in all Codes, Guidelines and Orders which its interactions ensuring there are regulate the content of Advertising/ clear terms of business, including Sponsorship. The major Codes in prompt payment procedures, question are the Department of and adherence to data protection Arts, Culture and Gaeltacht Code of requirements. RTÉ does not offer or Standards, Practice and Prohibitions accept bribes in any form or for any in Advertising, Sponsorship and other reason. forms of Commercial Promotions in Broadcasting Services (1995) and the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland’s Children’s Advertising Code (2005). RTÉ also operates its own Codes, the Code of Standards for Broadcast Advertising (1985) and the RTÉ Broadcast Sponsorship Guidelines (2004). RTÉ is also a party to the Code of the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (2005). In addition to the Codes and Guidelines, the rules of a growing number of Regulatory Authorities form part of the advertising regulations, for example, those of the Financial Regulator, the Premium Rate Services Regulator and the Ofﬁ ce of the Director of Consumer Affairs. 32 Our business interactions

Our suppliers RTÉ adheres to Government Guidelines for State Bodies (sometimes referred to as the “Green Book”) as deﬁ ned in the Public Procurement Booklet available from http://www.e-tenders. gov.ie and EU Guidelines for procurement. There is a detailed Purchasing Policies and Procedures Manual available to all staff with Popular programmes on RTÉ Television, commissioned from the independent production sector, responsibilities in this area. include No Experience Required (right), Killinaskully (left)

As a major purchaser of goods Independent producers RTÉ commissions independent and services RTÉ encourages RTÉ has a special relationship programming across all genres. sound environmental practices with Independent Producers of Commissioning Editors manage by our suppliers and contractors programmes. The interests of programming for their own area. in accordance with accepted best broadcasting in Ireland, including The business, fi nancial, legal and practice and current environmental those of RTÉ, are enhanced by administrative aspects of RTÉ’s legislation. As part of our the development of a secure, commissions is handled through procurement procedures suppliers profi table and stable independent the Independent Production Unit and potential suppliers are advised production sector in Ireland. The (IPU). that RTÉ has an environmental needs of both RTÉ, as commissioner policy in operation and that and broadcaster, and of the As specifi ed in legislation RTÉ environmental considerations form independent sector, as producers maintains a separate bank part of the criteria used in selecting of television programmes, can account for its statutory spend on suppliers. best be met in an environment independent commissioning, issues which allows creative and an Annual Report on independent commercial talent to thrive and productions and has put in place which recognises the mutual a set of general administration accountability, both editorially and and fi nancial procedures for fi nancially, which exists between independent commissions. These RTÉ and the independent producer. guidelines are provided in order that the independent sector can Under legislation RTÉ must understand the procedures, policies expend annually a specifi c sum and operations of RTÉ in the area to fund independent television of independent commissioning, programmes (whether by way of and in order to demonstrate RTÉ’s development or commissioning transparency and accountability in or completion funding). In 1999, every aspect of its commissioning the amount was set at £16m - to activity. rise in line with the annual CPI thereafter. The required sum RTÉ’s Terms of Trade form the was b29.4m in 2005; during that framework for negotiation with year RTÉ Television spent in independent producers. These excess of b74.6m with this sector, Terms of Trade and the Standard signifi cantly exceeding the required Development/Commissioning/ amount. Completion Funding Contracts are re-negotiated with the sector (through the independent producer representative body Screen Producers Ireland (SPI)) every three to fi ve years. Our business interactions 33

Independent commissioning of programmes is covered by RTÉ‘s Code of Fair Trading, and RTÉ has also agreed with SPI a Code of Practice (which includes a grievance procedure) in respect of fair dealing by RTÉ with original programme proposals submitted by independent producers.

Furthermore RTÉ works to ensure that:

} Independent Producers understand RTÉ's programming requirements and priorities for the Television Schedule } RTÉ personnel understand and recognise the capacity and creativity of the independent sector.

This is achieved by regular communications between RTÉ and SPI, occasional seminars and regular participation by RTÉ at industry festivals, conferences etc. RTÉ is also a member of IBEC’s Audio-Visual Federation.

There is a dedicated section on the IPU and its commissioning procedures on RTÉ’s website, http://www.rte.ie/tv/ipu

Popular programmes on RTÉ Television, commissioned from the independent production sector, include Show me the Money (top), No Frontiers (bottom) 34 Our business interactions 35

CASE STUDY RTÉNL is a wholly owned subsidiary Improved facilities RTÉ Transmission Limited (RTÉNL) of RTÉ and is responsible for the Of the 73 sites, 61 have been and local communities transmission services. RTÉNL visited and documented in so far takes responsibility for trying as is possible. The sites have been to maximise access to services accurately marked, a database has – currently RTÉ Television can been populated with information be received by c98% of the Irish such as land ownership, equipment population. Reception is mainly used, frequencies assigned, etc. and facilitated by Transmitter Stations a photographic record compiled. and a number of new sites were identifi ed during 2004 to extend The main issues to be resolved coverage to homes that could are electrical supply, health and previously not receive a signal. safety issues for maintenance staff attending, equipment to Community schemes replace obsolete or unserviceable Some homes receive their signal components and security of the via a local Self Help/Community equipment. Scheme and RTÉNL is currently working to upgrade a number of In some instances it has been Community Schemes throughout necessary to relocate the schemes, the country. Seventy-three sites as it was uneconomical to construct have been identifi ed; some of these long safe access routes over very were grant aided or supplied by RTÉ diffi cult terrain. in the past while a number were installed independently by the local Certain sites have diffi culties in community or defl ector system receiving a good source signal from operators. a transmitter and in these sites RTÉNL is using a signal derived As each Community Scheme is from a satellite source for re- surveyed, discussions take place transmission. with the landowner(s) with a view to acquiring a licence or A total of 26 sites are identifi ed for agreement which will allow RTÉNL upgrading before the end of 2006. safe and legal access to the site and placement of the broadcast By mid 2006 the situation was: equipment. In some instances it was not possible to secure a licence } Thirty-one sites had a legal and RTÉNL has disengaged from agreement in place these sites and in one instance } Seven sites had agreements in RTÉNL was requested to remove principle but not signed broadcast equipment and this } Six sites were in early stage request has been complied with. negotiations with landowners } Six had been disengaged from Certain sites are proving diffi cult } One site had been dismantled on to acquire licences for as the request owners live abroad and are diffi cult } Twenty-two sites were in early to contact. In these and other stage investigation. locations the local communities are doing their best to achieve licences A similar level of progress is in consultation with the owners on planned for 2007 and the end result RTÉNL’s behalf. of this activity will be a better and continuous service to homes that Once the question of legal access are in geographically remote areas. has been resolved, RTÉNL identifi es the necessary work to bring these sites above a minimum standard. 36

Government and Regulators. RTÉ is accountable to the Oireachtas (acting for the people of Ireland) through the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. The Government appoints the nine-member RTÉ Authority. The current Authority was appointed in June 2005 for a three-year term. Government and Regulators 37

The RTÉ Authority currently carries Responsibilities of the RTÉ responsibilities in Corporate Authority Governance and Regulation: RTÉ faces myriad compliance and regulatory obligations both Governance involves the national and European. In addition arrangements which ensure that it needs to set its own standards the organisation is effectively (self-governing) to be a quality managed on behalf of its owners PSB as well as ensure the highest – the people of Ireland. standards of corporate governance are achieved. Regulation involves the specifi cation of and adherence to (a) Corporate Regulatory rules across a particular sector Environment - the broadcasting sector in the The RTÉ Authority needs to: case of RTÉ. } Identify the hallmarks of an Corporate Responsibility is not ethical self-governing corporate a substitute for governance or culture - e.g. members of the regulation or for compliance with Authority and the Executive both. Rather CR, by investing in Board comply with the corporate human, social and environmental governance and other obligations capital, takes corporate objectives imposed by the Ethics in Public beyond what is required in law or Offi ce Act, 1995 and the Standards in regulation. in Public Offi ce Act, 2001. RTÉ also publishes its Code of Business RTÉ believes that compliance, with Conduct for Authority Members on relevant legislation and regulation, its website constitutes the minimum standards } Meet the standards for public that an organisation committed bodies and codes of conduct- to CR should achieve; RTÉ further specifi cally the Code of Practice believes it must create the right for the Governance of State Bodies internal environment to meet the approved by the Government, highest standards of governance and mandatory for the state and regulation. In doing so RTÉ sector. The Chairman of the RTÉ endeavours to embody the model of Authority reports annually to the governance and regulation that is Minister for Communications, the most appropriate for its status Marine and Natural Resources on as a Public Service Broadcaster RTÉ’s performance in relation to (PSB) i.e. that it: observance of this Code } Monitor evolving governance } Lives up to its purpose as a standards. creative, innovative, inspiring and trusted broadcaster } Belongs to the people and accounts for itself, its values, standards and performance to the public who enable it to exist } Receives public funding and accounts for its expenditure } Behaves like any other responsible corporation. 38 Government and Regulators

(b) Corporate accountability (d) Self-regulation 1. European legislative framework The RTÉ Authority needs to: The RTÉ Authority must set internal RTÉ must comply with the terms standards and adhere to such, for of various European regulations } Demonstrate independence example: relevant to broadcasting, notably: from any commercial or political interference } Editorial standards and best } Television without Frontiers Directive } Be transparent in fi nancial practice } Competition Rules on State Aid management practices and } Programme-Makers Guidelines } Financial Transparency in Public communicate to stakeholders via } Codes of advertising and Service published reports, independent sponsorship } Electronic Communications audited accounts } Codes of conduct on impartiality Framework. } Keep abreast of evolving industry and confl ict of interest standards showing best practice } Code of Fair Trading. 2. National regulatory framework and continuous improvement. Both national legislation and (e) External regulation requirements of regulators apply The RTÉ Authority must ensure that to RTÉ in the conduct of all aspects (c) Corporate compliance the responsibilities imposed on RTÉ of its business. These requirements The RTÉ Authority needs to ensure by various external authorities are include: it: met. These include: } Broadcasting legislation } Has adequate internal controls } Competition, Finance, – by establishing criteria and Employment, Equality, Health evaluation methods, audit and Safety and other national committee and enforcement legislation including the Offi cial mechanisms - to ensure Languages Act 2003 compliance } BCI Programme Codes and } Responds appropriately to Standards e.g. in relation to external obligations - reporting Children’s advertising obligations to Oireachtas, } Broadcasting Complaints Regulators, European Commission complaints Commission etc. procedures } ComReg regulations and spectrum licences } Competition rules. Government and Regulators 39

A step further Public Service Broadcasting Going beyond its mandatory Charter obligations RTÉ aspires to meet As part of a package of measures, the highest standards of corporate agreed by Government in governance and recognises December 2002, in response to the Combined Code on Corporate RTÉ’s application for a Licence Governance 2003 (Financial Fee increase, it was agreed that Reporting Council, London), RTÉ would operate under a Public which applies to companies listed Service Broadcasting Charter. The on both the Irish and UK Stock Department of Communications, Exchanges, as being the standard Marine and Natural Resources to be achieved. RTÉ meets the published the Charter in June 2004 Combined Code requirements in and it will be formally reviewed many respects, particularly in the after ﬁ ve years. area of Accountability and Audit. For example, RTÉ is in a minority The Charter explains the of state companies who have a responsibilities and obligations whistle-blowing policy. placed on RTÉ by national and EU legislation and sets out However, RTÉ does not meet all what RTÉ commits to, in terms of the requirements speciﬁ ed for of provision of services and Boards by the Combined Codes, e.g. accountability. The full text of board performance evaluation and the Charter is available on the review of Chairman’s performance. Department of Communications, This is due mainly to the method of Marine and Natural Resources appointment of the RTÉ Authority website (http://www.dcmnr.gov. and the fact that the provisions ie/Broadcasting) and compliance in relation to institutional with the requirements is reported shareholders obviously cannot on annually by RTÉ. apply in the case of a statutory corporation such as RTÉ. 40 Government and Regulators 41

CASE STUDY RTÉ is required to prepare its annual These statements include: Transparency in the expenditure of fi nancial statements in compliance public money with the requirements of: } A comprehensive explanatory note setting out the methodology } Table 1 – Utilisation of individual } Generally accepted Accounting employed in the analysis of costs Licence Fees collected Principles and revenues and the attribution 2005 2004 } The Broadcasting Acts of Licence Fee funding b b } Aspects of EU transparency } An analysis of costs, revenues RTÉ One 63.07 61.44 directives transposed into Irish and Licence Fee attribution RTÉ Two 31.19 32.28 Law. by RTÉ’s organisational units, RTÉ Radio 1 9.87 10.28 Integrated Business Divisions RTÉ RnaG 8.78 8.57 Under the Public Service Broadcasting } An analysis of costs, revenues RTÉ Lyric fm 5.01 5.18 Charter RTÉ is required to provide and Licence Fee attribution by RTÉ Performing Groups 10.56 10.36 details in its annual report of the channel/service Support for TG4 7.58 7.03 cost and revenues associated with } An analysis of the revenues and Total RTÉ Share 136.06 135.14 each of its services. costs of RTÉ’s public service and non-public service activities, Broadcasting fund 7.25 7.12 RTÉ meets these requirements showing the attribution of Collection costs: in full and is further committed Licence Fee funding to public An Post/DCMNR/DSFA 10.83 9.74 to providing comprehensive service activities transparent fi nancial information } Analysis of all TG4 costs and Average cost of each 154.14 152.00 on the performance of all its revenues showing the attribution individual broadcasting activities and in particular on its of the grant-in-aid to TG4 and the licence* use of public funding received. attribution of Licence Fee funding By providing this comprehensive to RTÉ’s programme provision *The licence fee increased from b152 to fi nancial analysis RTÉ aims to to TG4 b155 with effect from 1 April 2005 facilitate the licence payers to see } Analysis of Network Charges where their money is going and charged by RTÉNL to all RTÉ } Table 2 – Attribution of licence revenue to demonstrate that they get good Services received by RTÉ in 2005 value for money. } An analysis of net assets by Integrated Business Division. } 46% RTÉ One The core expression of RTÉ’s } 23% RTÉ Two commitment to providing The generation of this information } 17% RTÉ Radio 1 transparent fi nancial information requires the maintenance of } 4% RTÉ lyric fm consists of detailed fi nancial accounting systems capable of } 6% RTÉ RnaG information forming part of generating extensive and detailed } 6% Support provided to TG4 RTÉ’s externally audited fi nancial analysis of costs and revenues } 8% Performing Groups statements and published in RTÉ’s and extensive involvement of Annual Report (available on http:// RTÉ Finance personnel in the www.rte.ie/about). production of the information. 8% 6% 6%

4% 46%

17%

23%

The above tables show how, using the information and analysis provided in the detailed ﬁ nancial statements, RTÉ provides all our stakeholders including Government, Regulators and most importantly the Licence Fee payer with a quantitative and graphical breakdown of how the Licence Fee is used. 42

The Environment. RTÉ is committed to environmental protection and sustainability, to improving its environmental performance and to minimising any adverse impacts as a result of its broadcasting activities. The Environment 43

The Organisation is committed to } Installation of two petrol addressing this matter through interceptors to eliminate risk of the general principles contained in surface water pollution RTÉ’s Environmental Policy: } Replacement of heating systems in two buildings with localised Awareness low energy systems which has RTÉ works to inform and motivate resulted in signifi cantly reduced all its staff about our environmental carbon emissions responsibilities and encourage } Replacement of cooling system in them to play an active role in RTÉ’s one building with a smaller safer commitment to its environmental system using ice storage resulted policy. in signifi cantly reduced energy usage Environment and the community } Installation of a chiller in one RTÉ works with local communities building which resulted in in various parts of the country with signifi cantly reduced energy specifi c on-site environmental usage. initiatives. Details of these local environmental initiatives and RTÉNL has over 130 transmission environmental issues of public sites across the country resulting interest will be included in future in the emission of Non-Iodising CR Reports. Radiation; procedures are in place to monitor compliance with the Continuous improvement recommended levels. ComReg has We have and continue to monitor confi rmed compliance with their specifi c improvement targets and licence conditions and RTÉNL is we report internally on progress. also operating within the guidelines Again, as part of CR Reporting these of the International Commission on targets and progress records will Non-Ionising Radiation Protection be externally published in future (ICNIRP) years. Procurement Property management Environmental considerations form RTÉ is committed to always trying part of the criteria used by RTÉ in to improve our sites and buildings. selecting suppliers. It is policy to construct, refurbish and manage our buildings in a Waste management manner that will reduce associated RTÉ continues to promote, environmental impacts and be develop and implement waste sympathetic with the external prevention, reduction, re-use and surroundings and natural recycling on-site in a systematic environment. By addressing the and cost effective manner. We issue of energy effi ciency in our use appropriately regulated waste buildings, RTÉ contributes to management contractors to ensure the reduction of greenhouse gas safe management of waste sent emissions in line with national and off-site in accordance with best international agreements. environmental practice. Examples of recent measures taken in property management that has had direct and measurable positive impact on the environment are: 44 The Environment 45

CASE STUDY Keen to adopt a proactive approach As a result of the review a formal, Recent Developments in to environmental responsibility centralised waste prevention environmental ‘best practice’ in general, and to implement best infrastructure, including practice in areas such as resource an Environmental Steering usage and waste management in Committee (ESC) comprising key particular, RTÉ used the opportunity personnel who can infl uence presented by its involvement in environmental impacts at the the Cleaner Greener Production planning stage of business Programme, commissioned by the operations, was established. As a Environmental Protection Agency, result, the administration of waste to carry out an in-depth review management operations is now of its resource usage and waste centrally located thereby facilitating management systems. The review ongoing development and change was undertaken with the assistance in a streamlined way. Through the of environmental consultants from ESC, policy and procedures were IBEC and its fi ndings enabled RTÉ to developed and implemented; a staff put in place a waste prevention and awareness campaign took place minimisation programme that is and an internal environmental web having a signifi cant impact on waste site set up. management and disposal practices. Based on the information gleaned Waste Management from the review, RTÉ set a target The principal aim of the project of reducing the amount of waste was to review current waste being sent to landfi ll by 20% over a management practices in order 12-month period. It proposed to do to identify areas requiring this by means of waste prevention improvement. Specifi cally, the as well as a number of re-use/ project team set out to: recycling practices.

} Identify processes/areas that generate on-site waste } Review the waste management practices on site } Gather data on the type, quantity and cost of managing waste generated on site } Identify the key RTÉ personnel to champion waste management initiatives on site } Identify RTÉ’s obligations in relation to current environmental legislation (national and European) } Identify structures needed to improve waste management } Use the review fi ndings to draft an environmental policy for RTÉ - specifi cally geared towards waste prevention } Use the review fi ndings to draft procedures to maximise the effectiveness of waste prevention methods and manage on-site waste in line with the organisation’s policy } Use the review fi ndings, policy and procedures to brief staff and raise environmental awareness on site. 46 The Environment

CASE STUDY A recycling/segregation programme Over a 12-month period our Recent Developments in was established which has in statistical information tells us that environmental ‘best practice’ fact resulted in a reduction of our recycling percentages fl uctuate waste to landfi ll by approximately month to month depending on 75–80%. Table 1 shows the results various infl uencing factors e.g. } Table 1 – Total waste arisings of a sample survey carried out activities on site, holiday times, on site following the segregation changes in staff/attitudes etc. It is Mixed Segregated Total programme. constantly monitored and is within kgs kgs kgs a very satisfactory range. Other 125.07 3,091.00 3,216.07 The data of this sample shows just Paper 486.05 1,864.40 2,350.45 over 80% segregation of the overall New targets will be set during Organic 491.12 588.00 1,079.12 waste arising on site. 2006 through the Environmental Wood 3.57 624.80 628.37 Steering Committee which will Cardboard 107.53 395.31 502.84 A large portion of this is associated be associated with a reduction Metal 90.52 299.45 389.97 with the segregation skips in our overall waste product. Plastic 260.40 25.10 285.50 (wood/metal and electric cables This may result in very similar, Glass 55.63 77.50 133.13 / instruments) and the separate even the same, recycling rates Textiles 62.31 5.00 67.31 paper collection. but would see a reduction in Composites 34.52 4.60 39.12 overall tonnage. It is really only Total 1,717.00 6,975.00 8,692.00 In line with our policy on now having done the segregation Total % 19.75 80.25 100 continuous environmental at source, and having statistics improvement RTÉ is currently in on our waste composition, that the process of: RTÉ’s Environmental Committee Total waste arisings can set targets for continuous } 19.75% Mixed } Pursuing an overall reduction improvement geared to waste } 80.25% Segregated in waste arising from waste prevention. This will not be on a prevention processes one-off issue basis but will see } Implementing waste prevention/ sustainable business /operational management measures to changes leading to a measurable 19.75% certain regional properties reduction of waste. This is likely to which have proved successful involve a totally new approach and at its base in Donnybrook. (This message to staff. follows an extensive feasibility review of the RTÉ’s regional properties) } Aiming for an ethos of continuous sustainable improvement. With appropriate systems in place for segregation 80.25% of our waste we are, for example, identifying processes which if done differently will reduce/ eliminate environmental impact.

47 48

Feedback. In future CR Reports RTÉ intends to set speciﬁ c measurable objectives which will make us as accountable in social and environmental criteria as we are in ﬁ nancial terms. We would welcome your feedback on the suitability of the criteria listed below and your suggestions on other areas you believe we could address. FEEDBACK 49

Audiences The environment RTÉ should operate in a way that RTÉ should: ensures: } Develop, implement and monitor } Its audiences are treated with work practices that aim to respect at all times and know minimise our negative impact on what to expect from their PSB the environment e.g. by publication of an annual } Foster environmental awareness Commitments to our Audiences, and commitment among all staff identifying specifi c deliverables members } Its programming output and } Have a specifi c continuous services meet the highest possible improvement plan with yearly standards of public service targets } Clear mechanisms for two- } Construct and maintain our way communications between properties in a way that reduces members of the audience and RTÉ negative environmental impacts } It operates in a fully accountable and be sympathetic with the and transparent manner. external surroundings and natural environment Staff } Ensure compliance with all RTÉ should provide: environmental regulations. } Clear and fair terms of employment and remuneration It is important that appropriate meeting all appropriate national policies exist for interaction on all and European legislative and these criteria with the different regulatory requirements stakeholders. The policies should be: } A healthy and safe working environment meeting all } Accessible - in hard or soft copy legislative and regulatory } Implemented – via an requirements appropriate, well defi ned } A work environment that system and appropriate records respects every individual and maintained does not tolerate any form } Reviewed and updated at of discrimination, bullying or appropriate intervals harassment. } Fair – in the view of the stakeholder upon which they Business partners impact. RTÉ should: } Be honest and fair in its dealings RTÉ has a multi-dimensional with all business partners, impact on the communities in including meeting published which it exists. That makes our procurement regulations commitment to being a responsible requirements, prompt payments corporate citizen all the more etc critical and our determination to be } Always adhere to its published one all the stronger. Code of Fair Trading } Encourage, where appropriate, This is RTÉ’s fi rst CR Report and business partners to adopt therefore it is in part consultative responsible environmental in nature. You can help shape practices our future reports by providing } Never offer or accept any form of us with your feedback – either bribe. by emailing your comments to [email protected] or Government and Regulators writing to Jennifer Taaffe, Corporate RTÉ should: Communications, RTÉ, Donnybrook, } Meet all legislative and regulatory Dublin 4. requirements } Meet, and where appropriate exceed, best standards of governance. 50

Appendices. APPENDIX 1 51 RTÉ’s Complaints Process

Making a complaint Broadcasting Complaints Complaints may be made if a RTÉ exists to provide quality public Commission viewer or listener believes that service programmes on radio and Members of the public may also guidelines on taste and decency television. The public pays a Licence complain in certain circumstances have been broken. Section 19 of Fee to receive these services. The to the Broadcasting Complaints the Broadcasting Act 2001 requires standards we set for ourselves can Commission (BCC). The BCC was the BCI to “prepare a code specifying be found in our Programme-Makers’ established by the Minister for standards to be complied with, and Guidelines available at http://www. Posts and Telegraphs in 1977 under rules and practices to be observed, rte.ie/about/organisation/guidelines the provisions of Section 4 of the in respect of the taste and decency Broadcasting Authority Amendment of programme material…and in Members of the public who feel Act, 1976. The BCC can only particular, in respect of the portrayal of that our programming does not adjudicate on complaints relating violence and sexual conduct…” match our standards are entitled to to a limited area of RTÉ’s activities. express their views and complain Amongst the grounds for complaint Advertising about what is broadcast. RTÉ are: A complaint may be made if a is committed to responding to member of the public feels an all reasonable communications News broadcasts: advertisement broadcast on concerning programme content. It Where news items have failed to radio or television contravenes is RTÉ’s policy that all complaints be objective and impartial, or if the code of Standards, Practice should receive meaningful replies they incite crime or undermine and Prohibitions in Advertising, which attempt to address issues the authority of the state, or if Sponsorship and other forms raised in complaints. they have included an expression of Commercial Promotion in of the Authority’s own views. Broadcasting Services. The RTÉ is committed to the following: (This latter consideration is Broadcasting Complaints } All complaints, received in interpreted to mean that the Commission is administered by writing or by-email, shall be reports should not carry or The Broadcasting Commission replied to by an appropriate promote the opinions of the of Ireland, 2-5 Warrington Place, member of the production programme makers). Dublin 2. http://www.bcc.ie team within 20 working days } Complainants shall be informed Current affairs: that, if they are not satisfi ed Where the broadcast refers with the reply they receive, there to matters of current debate is a review process available to programmes must be fair to them within RTÉ. The review all interests and must present will always be carried out by an subjects in an impartial and Editorial Manager senior to the objective manner. The same member of staff who replied to incitement to crime prohibition the complaint in the fi rst instance applies as in news. } Members of the public who are not satisfi ed with the reply Programming in general: they receive should write to Complaints may also be made if Complaints' Review, c/o The members of the public feel their Head of Public Affairs Policy, privacy has been unreasonably RTÉ, Dublin, 4. Correspondence encroached upon. from Complaints' Review will include information about the public's right of complaint to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission. Correspondence may also be sent by email to [email protected] 52 APPENDIX 2 Programme safety in RTÉ Radio and RTÉ Television

Programme safety across both TV Programme Risk Assessment RadioAppendices. and Television is a critical area for RTÉ to discharge its duty Production details Studio of care to staff, contractors and visitors and to be compliant with Person submitting form Producer safety legislation. Contact number RTÉ’s Health and Safety procedures Date of submission of form are under ongoing review and in Programme name September 2004 a new development Details of activity was introduced. A Pre-event Risk Date or period that this risk assessment covers Assessment is now undertaken in People at risk advance of certain major events. These assessment procedures were Risk/Hazard details introduced following a process of consultation with programme Type of hazard Human/animal Studio Technical/mechanical makers. related hazard related hazards related hazards

The following two forms, a Details Of Actual Programme Risk Assessment Hazard form (PRA2) and a Studio Risk Assessment form (SRA1) must Examples } Filming of or in } See Form SRAI. Any } Electricity/gas both be completed and fi led in proximity to potentially changes to that must } Stunts/special effect advance of a live TV programme. dangerous animal(s) be detailed above. shoot There are similar requirements for } Physical exertion on } Last minute } Pyrotechnics/filming part of crew members introduction of new near fire Radio programmes and ones will be } Inexperience of staff items, or new formats. } Filming near introduced for News and Current } Risks caused by dangerous machinery Affairs in 2006. presence of children at } Filming involving lifting or in studio heavy equipment } Risk to members of } Camera Cranes/Jibs This form is an aid to determine public or other } Use of water devices the safeguards needed to protect all Noise (Bands etc.) persons involved in this production, e.g. staff, artists, contributors, contractors and members of the Steps taken to minimise risk/control measures public. This form when completed and signed by the producer in Details of control charge should be fi led with the measures Studio Risk Assessment form (SRA1). Examples } Designation of a specifi c individual(s) in studio with safety related duties, } Use of protective clothing, e.g., safety helmet } Use of specifi c safety equipment, e.g., safety harness } Research of relevant medical details, e.g., tropical disease } Informing relevant authorities, e.g., Gardai } Communications equipment, e.g., Mobile phone/satellite phone } Availability of nearby refuge/safe area } Details of experts/relevant individuals hired or tasked with minimising risk } Details of relevant briefi ngs and information and guidelines that producer will convey to crew and other relevant individuals involved in the programme

Assessment of overall risk

High Medium Low APPENDIX 2 53 Programme safety in RTÉ Radio and RTÉ Television

This form is an aid to determine Studio Risk Assessment the safeguards needed to Date Studio protect all persons involved in the production e.g. staff, Step 1 – Identify hazards (tick) freelancers, artists, contributors, contractors and members of the 01 Access and egress 20 Hand tools public. It must be completed in 02 Manual handling 21 Hazardous substances conjunction with form (PRA2). 03 Electricity (including portable appliances) 22 Heights 04 Noise exposure 23 Hydraulic hoists 05 Slips, trips, falls 24 Lifting equipment 06 Animals 25 Lone working 07 Audience control 26 Mist 08 Chemicals 27 Mobile access platforms 09 Compressed gas 28 Ofﬁ ce equipment 10 Conﬁ ned spaces 29 Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.) 11 Construction work 30 Props, rostra, seating 12 Costumes 31 Storage (shelves, racks) 13 Display screen equipment 32 Strobe lighting/Lasers 14 Fire safety (building safety ) 33 Violence (attack/public disorder) 15 Fire retardation 34 Working environment (inc. temporary workplaces) 16 Flammable material 35 Working patterns/Work organisation 17 Food hygiene 36 Water 18 Gas appliances 37 Other hazards 19 Gunge

Step 2 – Groups particularly at risk

Children (including unauthorised access) New employees Contractors/subcontractors/staff from other depts. Members of the public Pregnant women and nursing mothers Young inexperienced workers Individuals with disabilities or medical conditions Others (please specify)

Step 3 – All risks identiﬁ ed above must be assessed using the forms provided below

What would cause harm? List here the hazards you noted above

Who might be harmed & how? Always give special consideration to people with special needs

Existing risk High/Medium/Low 54 APPENDIX 3 RTÉ lyric fm’s Breakfast Club Gazette, May 2006 edition RTÉ lyric fm’s Breakfast Club Gazette is sent monthly during the school year and is an example of our outreach with children and with schools. APPENDIX 3 55 RTÉ lyric fm’s Breakfast Club Gazette, May 2006 edition 56