475 television hours were commissioned with the Independent Productions statutory expenditure in 2017
The annual report for 2017 has been published. From the report's Introduction; "In 2017, RTÉ worked closely with independent production companies, who delivered high-quality, distinctively Irish programming on television, radio and digital. That creativity helps to set us apart from our competitors in an increasingly crowded digital media landscape. Working with the independent sector supports employment and brings diversity to RTÉ's schedules. Each year, we support the development of the sector, provide assistance to producers and give guidance to emerging new companies. Our deep partnership ties with the independent sector make us a stronger organisation. Creativity and insight flourish through these partnerships, which is reflected in our programming schedules for television, radio and digital. It also means we can deliver great value and choice to our audiences, with enhanced and more diverse programming throughout the schedules.
"Under the Broadcasting Act 2009, RTÉ has a statutory obligation to spend a predetermined minimum amount every year on independently produced television and radio programmes. RTÉ continues to invest more in commissioned programmes than is required. This amount is lodged to a separate account, the Independent Programmes Account. Part of RTÉ's obligation under the Broadcasting Act is to issue a report on that account. This report outlines RTÉ's management of the Independent Programmes Account. The statutory amount RTÉ was required to spend in 2017 was €39.5m (unchanged from 2016). Schedule 1 provides analysis and explanation of this spending. In 2017, total expenditure was €40.8m, which was in excess of our statutory obligation. The production of commissioned programmes is financially and contractually managed through the Television and Radio Independent Productions departments.
"The BAI Sound & Vision 3 Scheme continued to be a key partner in RTÉ Television's commissioning output in 2017. Twenty-five television productions were commissioned in 2017 with BAI support, which have or will be broadcast on RTÉ. They are: Angela’s Christmas; Citizen Lane; Donal Lunny: Na Linte Cheoil Cheiltigh; A Wild Irish Year; Awake - The Science of Sleep; Ballybradden (series 2); Big Week On The Farm (series 2); Can't Cope, Won't Cope (series 2), Coimisiúin na Talún, Damo and Ivor The Movie; David Brophy's Choir of Ages; Eavan Boland; Great Lighthouses of Ireland; Hardest Harvest; Healthy Appetite; Keepers of the Flame; Lords and Ladles (series 3); Mr. Mender and the Chummyjiggers; Mya Go; National Treasures; Peak Zoo; Striking Out (series 2); The Game; The Voting Age; and Weather Live."
The Report for 2017 is available here; this and previous reports are available here