Teilifís na Gaeilge
Teilifís na Gaeilge is Ireland’s dedicated Irish‑language public service broadcaster, entrusted with operating the television channels TG4 and Cúla 4. Established as an independent statutory corporation in 2007, it took over the management of TG4—originally managed by RTÉ from the channel’s launch in 1996—following a period of consolidation and brand evolution. TG4, formerly TnaG until its 1999 rebranding, serves as a cultural touchstone for Irish speakers and a vital platform for Irish‑language media.
Media assets
Television: TG4, Cúla 4
State Media Matrix Typology
Independent State-Funded and State-Managed/Owned (ISFM)
Ownership and governance
TG4’s governance framework is set by the Broadcasting Act 2009, which provides for a board of 12 members appointed by the government, acting on advice from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. In November 2022, Anna Ní Ghallachair, a respected academic and former Chair of Údarás na Gaeltachta, assumed the position of Chairperson of the TG4 Board.
In a significant move in March–April 2025, the TG4 Board officially appointed Deirdre Ní Choistín as the Director‑General, succeeding Alan Esslemont, who had held the post since 2016. Ní Choistín—having amassed more than 25 years of experience at TG4, including pioneering roles as Producer‑Director and Head of News and Current Affairs—became the first woman to hold the DG role.
Source of funding and budget
TG4’s financing remains a blend of state grant‑in‑aid and commercial revenue, with the former by far the mainstay of its budget. In 2022, state contributed approximately €40.7 million of a total budget of €46.2 million. In 2023, total state funding rose to €48 million. In 2024, TG4 was awarded €57 million in public funding. In its pre‑budget 2025 submission, TG4 requested €26 million additional funding—citing the need to establish an independent news service free from RTÉ’s control.
The final 2025 Budget granted TG4 €60 million, marking the highest allocation in its history—a significant leap from around €37 million in 2020 (an impressive 62% climb).
Editorial independence
TG4 upholds robust editorial independence as safeguarded by the Broadcasting Act 2009. The corporation enforces internal safeguards—such as codes of conduct, editorial guidelines, controversial‑content protocols, and a public service statement—to ensure freedom from undue political or external interference. The Audience Council, a statutory body, also advises the TG4 Board on programming and scheduling, reinforcing transparency and public engagement.
August 2025