'We made good progress' - Licence fee income rises as RTÉ records €22.5m surplus

The figure marks a significant increase on the €5.5 million surplus reported in 2024 and comes as the national broadcaster continues its efforts to rebuild public trust and implement major organisational reforms following the controversies that engulfed the organisation in recent years.

READ NEXT: Woman describes 'traumatising' moment she discovered man hiding in wall at rental property

RTÉ said the stronger financial performance was driven by stable commercial revenues, tight control of staffing costs, additional savings measures and the postponement of some planned projects until 2026.

The broadcaster also released €9.6 million in accounting provisions and accruals during the year. RTÉ stressed that while this contributed to the reported surplus, it did not generate any additional cash for the organisation.

Revenue rises

Total revenue increased slightly to €383.4 million in 2025, up from €380.4 million the previous year.

Licence fee income rose by 5% to €183.5 million, while the organisation received €41.3 million in additional Government funding.

Commercial income remained largely unchanged at €158.6 million. Advertising and sponsorship revenues across television, radio and the RTÉ Guide accounted for €121.1 million of that total.

RTÉ said the funding certainty provided through the Government's multi-year funding agreement is allowing it to plan major projects and invest in its future digital services.

Voluntary exits and cost savings

A major part of RTÉ's transformation strategy involved reducing staff numbers.

A voluntary exit programme approved in 2025 resulted in 67 staff leaving the organisation, while a further 30 positions were eliminated through role suppressions.

RTÉ said the measures are expected to generate annual savings of €8.4 million going forward. The cost of the exit programme was €8.5 million.

Director-General Kevin Bakhurst said 2025 marked the first year of RTÉ's new five-year strategy.

"We made good progress in implementing it and in rigorously managing our finances, delivering another annual surplus," he said.

He added that the organisation had reduced staff numbers as part of plans to become "smaller and more agile" while lowering costs over the coming years.

READ NEXT: Hosepipe ban extended for entire country - here's what you can't do under new rules

New investments planned

The broadcaster said the stronger financial position will help fund several key projects already underway, including a new HR system and the launch of new RTÉ News and Audio apps.

RTÉ also pointed to investment in digital infrastructure as part of its long-term strategy, although it acknowledged challenges associated with ageing technology systems and property costs.

Strong audience performance

The annual report highlights a number of audience and content successes during 2025.

RTÉ delivered 45 of the 50 most-watched programmes broadcast in Ireland during the year.

The Late Late Toy Show remained the country's most-watched programme, while new reality series The Traitors Ireland also proved a major hit with viewers.

Sport continued to dominate viewing figures, with major audiences tuning in for Ireland's World Cup qualifying campaign, the All-Ireland finals and Six Nations rugby coverage.

RTÉ Player reached a record 155 million streams during the year, up 9% on 2024, while RTÉ.ie surpassed one billion page views for the second consecutive year.

The RTÉ News TikTok account experienced particularly strong growth, increasing from 400,000 followers at the beginning of the year to 1.4 million by year-end.

READ NEXT: Search stood down for missing 27-year-old man following tragic discovery of body

Chair says governance reforms continue

RTÉ Chair Terence O'Rourke said 2025 saw the broadcaster continue implementing governance reforms introduced following the organisation's well-publicised financial and governance scandals.

He said improved governance standards at board level and throughout the organisation were helping to ensure RTÉ becomes a more accountable and transparent public service broadcaster.

The annual report also includes, for the third consecutive year, details of the earnings of RTÉ's ten highest-paid on-air presenters, as well as remuneration information for members of its leadership team.

Mr Bakhurst said the broadcaster's focus remains on providing public service media, supporting Ireland's creative sector and developing services for a digital future.

"While much has changed, the need for strong, independent and trusted public service media, available to everyone, has never been greater," he said.