Teilifís na Gaeilge is a public service broadcaster that operates the television channels TG4 and Cúla 4. The company was established in 2007 to manage TG4, which was previously managed by the Irish flagship public broadcaster RTÉ from 1996 to 2007.
Media assets
Television: TG4, Cúla 4
State Media Matrix Typology: Independent State-Funded and State-Managed/Owned (ISFM)
Ownership and governance
Teilifís na Gaeilge is governed according to regulations in the Broadcasting Act 2009. TG4 is governed by a board consisting of 12 members appointed by the government based on proposals from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Anna Ní Ghallachair was appointed Chairperson of the TG4 Board in 2022.
Source of funding and budget
Teilifís na Gaeilge is financed through a combination of state budget subsidies and advertising sales. The government allocation accounts for the largest part of the company’s budget. According to the corporation’s data, in 2022, the government provided €40.7m of the total annual budget of €46.2m. In 2023, the government provided a total of €48m.
Editorial independence
The government does not impose any rules that would limit the editorial independence of TG4.
The Broadcasting Act of 2009 contains provisions safeguarding TG4’s editorial independence. Teilifís na Gaeilge has implemented various internal mechanisms to ensure its editorial independence, such as codes of conduct for directors and employees, journalism guidelines, a document addressing controversial content, and a public service statement.
TG4 has an Audience Council appointed by the TG4 Board in accordance with the legal provisions of the Broadcasting Act 2009. The main task of the Council is to communicate its advice regarding TG4’s schedule and content to the company’s board.
August 2024