NUJ wants RTÉ review to consider report into Current Affairs culture
Séamus Dooley, NUJ Irish Secretary, stated the redacted report is a "damning indictment of the culture which operated in Current Affairs."
The National Union of Journalists has said that the review ordered by Catherine Martin, media minister, into the management and administrative culture into RTÉ must pay particular attention to a report released on 27 June under the Freedom of information Act into the management style and culture in the Current Affairs department.
The heavily redacted report was commissioned by management. Conducted by external consultants Resolve, it was submitted to RTÉ in March 2022 and included several recommendations which have not been implemented by the organisation. The so called “temperature check” was commissioned following a specific grievance lodged by an NUJ member. RTÉ refused to publish the report and it was released with redactions on foot of an appeal to the Information Commissioner.
Séamus Dooley, NUJ Irish Secretary, said the report, despite redactions ordered by the Information Commissioner, provides a disturbing picture in the Current Affairs department in the period under review.
He said:
“Transparency, trust and truth are the cornerstone of any organisation but especially a public service broadcaster. The report is a damning indictment of the culture which operated in Current Affairs, which is at the heart of RTE’s public service programming.
“While there has been some change in that culture, key findings give rise to concern, notably the belief among many staff that there was little point in raising concerns and the belief that the concerns of women, especially women with long service were not taken seriously.”
The report found: ‘In the main, those who have joined in recent years or who are younger, and male were far less likely to have any concerns or any awareness about issues in CA [Current Affairs] that might require management support or resolution in general.’ ‘The younger male members of CA quite often would identify the gender aspect as a reason for them not having any issues,’ the report also noted.
‘Women in CA are not perceived as having access to or having received the same number of opportunities as men.’ The report also highlighted the wider issue of transparency. For example, ‘It was said that the rationale behind decisions over moves, assignments and promotions was often unclear. This would not help establish or clarify the basis for these decisions.’
Dooley added:
“The report and the circumstances which led to it being commissioned represent in microcosm a culture which is damaging to RTÉ. RTÉ is the employer of choice for many who aspire to a role in the media.
"Failure to tackle unacceptable behaviour and outdated deference and preferential treatment to some individuals serve to undermine an organisation with many strengths. That is why the NUJ believes the external cultural review is important to those who provide such a valuable service to public service broadcasting.
“It is important that a mechanism is found for the unredacted report to be considered by the proposed investigation.”
The NUJ Current Affairs Chapel said:
The NUJ is very disappointed that it required the intervention of the Information Commissioner to release the Resolve Ireland report to this chapel. The report should have been shared with staff at the outset, as RTÉ management should always uphold the standards of transparency we demand of others.
It's redacted publication has brought to light staff concerns staff about a working culture that has failed to address problems in communication, fairness in promotional opportunities, gender equality and the standards of dignity and respect that should be guaranteed to any worker.
The report’s publication is particularly important given that these issues were brought to the attention of management by the NUJ repeatedly in recent years, in particular the failure to address gender equality within Current Affairs. The NUJ will be seeking a meeting with management to discuss the contents of the report and seek assurances on the implementation of its recommendations.
Review Report RTÉ March 2022.pdf
FOI 2022 - 64 Letter to accompany Report.pdf