IrelandOwnership & classification
Founded: 1960
Ownership
Raidio Teilifis Eireann (RTE) is Ireland's national public-service broadcaster, established as a statutory authority on 1 June 1960 under the Broadcasting Authority Act 1960 (radio dating to 1926, television from 1961). It is a semi-state body owned by the Irish state and overseen by a board appointed by the Government of Ireland, operating under successive Broadcasting Acts.
Funding
RTE has a dual funding model: a television licence fee (long set at EUR 160, collected via An Post) plus commercial advertising and sponsorship revenue. Following financial and governance controversies, the government has also committed multi-year direct exchequer funding to stabilise the broadcaster.
Affiliation & stance
As a state-owned public broadcaster funded by the licence fee and the public purse, RTE is correctly classified as STATE. It is statutorily required to be impartial and is not controlled by any political party, though its board is government-appointed.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 653
85/100
Factual
81/100
Objective
890
Articles
879
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Family says gardaí knew their stolen car featured in TikTok posts by teen who died in M9 crash
A family in Limerick, Ireland, claims that police (gardaí) informed them that TikTok videos showing their stolen car, later linked to a fatal M9 crash, were unlikely to serve as legal evidence in court. The car, a Toyota Vitz, was stolen from their property in late December 2023. The family provided gardaí with TikTok footage featuring the vehicle and its license plate, which appeared to be associated with teenagers involved in the crash. Despite this, authorities stated no suspect had been identified, and thus no further investigation could proceed. Former Garda Commissioner Patrick Leahy has called for urgent legislative reforms and a multi-agency strategy to address issues such as joyriding, reckless driving, and the role of social media in encouraging illegal behavior. He emphasized the need to treat hosting content related to stolen vehicles or dangerous driving as illegal and to ensure that such videos cannot be used as evidence unless accompanied by sufficient supporting information.
Fundraiser to help pay for funeral costs of Brazilian woman murdered in Limerick
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with the repatriation and funeral costs of Jady Cristine Pereira Rosa, a 33-year-old Brazilian woman who was found murdered in Limerick, Ireland. Jady, who had lived and worked in Limerick for several years, was discovered dead in an apartment on Cecil Street. Authorities confirmed she died from a violent cause, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation. While her employer will cover the transportation of her body to Brazil, additional funds are needed for local travel from São Paulo to her hometown and for funeral arrangements. The campaign has raised over €11,000 toward a €16,000 goal. Police have assigned a family liaison officer to support the victim's family and have established an incident room to oversee the ongoing murder investigation.
Iran-linked hackers 'shut down' small power plant in UK
In August 2026, a cyber attack reportedly shut down a small power facility in the UK, attributed to hackers linked to the Iranian regime. The attack, which lasted four days, followed warnings about increasing disruptive cyber activity by state and non-state actors. While the UK government confirmed the incident involved a 'small-scale energy generator' and emphasized that the broader energy system remained unaffected, it did not specify which site was impacted. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, was informed of the attack, though no outages were reported. Liberal Democrat officials criticized the government for not adequately securing energy infrastructure against foreign threats.
Campaigners in final push for Skyclarys approval
Campaigners in Ireland are making their final effort to secure approval for the drug Skyclarys, which treats Friedreich's Ataxia, a rare and progressive neuromuscular disorder affecting approximately 200 individuals in the country. A demonstration took place in Dublin, with advocates and patients gathering at the Garden of Remembrance and marching to Custom House Quay to urge the Health Service Executive (HSE) to reimburse the medication. Earlier this month, the HSE Drugs Group advised against covering the drug’s costs, citing concerns raised by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics regarding the limited and uncertain clinical data supporting its efficacy. Despite these recommendations, there is significant support for the drug's approval from both opposition parties and members of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. The final decision will be made by the HSE during a senior management meeting on Tuesday. The drug, approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2024, could cost up to €280,000 per patient annually, leading to a potential five-year budget impact of €130 million.
'Give the people a chance to grieve': Bishop says wider conversation needed after M9 crash
Five teenagers, Alex McCarthy, Jack Kennedy, Joe Carthy, Jeremy O'Brien, and Kamil Pustowski, were killed in a tragic crash on the M9 motorway on Sunday. Two funerals for the deceased are taking place today in Carlow. Bishop Denis Nulty expressed his condolences and emphasized the importance of allowing grieving families space to mourn before discussing the incident publicly. He called for a broader national conversation on road safety and highlighted the need for early intervention and support for young people. Former Garda inspector Tony Gallagher warned that the funerals could become sites of public unrest if not managed carefully, noting concerns about potential displays or demonstrations during the events. Three other individuals, including three women and a seven-year-old boy, remain hospitalized following the crash.
In the Ukrainian attack on Belgorod killed six people, among the wounded children
On August 17, 2026, an Ukrainian missile attack struck the Russian region of Belgorod, killing six people and injuring four, including a 14-year-old child. The attack reportedly hit the village of Koloskovo in the Valuysky district, damaging a building and a vehicle. In addition, a woman was killed in another Ukrainian strike in Russia’s Astrakhan region, which targeted industrial infrastructure. According to French news agency AFP, at least 19 people were killed in mutual attacks between Ukraine and Russia over the weekend. Russia’s defense ministry described the Ukrainian strikes, some involving hundreds of drones, as the largest since the start of the year. One of the targets was a warehouse belonging to the Russian e-commerce company Wildberries, which Kyiv claims supplies parts for drones to the Russian military. Meanwhile, in southern Odessa Oblast, a Russian night attack on Izmail caused fires that have been extinguished. A civilian ship flying the flag of Tuva was damaged during the attack, leaving four people injured. Ukraine’s state energy company Naftogaz reported that Russia conducted 13 attacks on its facilities across Ukraine in the past week, targeting production and能源
Annual Michael Collins commemoration to take place
The annual commemoration of Michael Collins, a pivotal figure in Irish history, took place on 23 August 2026 at Béal na Bláth in County Cork, marking 104 years since his death during the Irish Civil War. The event included a speech by historian David McCullagh, a procession, wreath-laying, a minute's silence, and the playing of the National Anthem. Collins, then Commander-in-Chief of the National Army, was killed in an ambush by anti-Treaty forces while inspecting West Cork. Traffic restrictions were in place around the site, with parking diverted to nearby areas. McCullagh highlighted Collins' multifaceted legacy, including his roles as a military leader, diplomat, and architect of Ireland's independence.
Canadian PM slams trade 'war' launched by US
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized the United States for launching a trade 'war' by imposing 50% tariffs on Canadian imports, calling the move an attack. The tariffs, set to take effect on 8 September, are part of a broader dispute over trade terms during recent negotiations. Carney stated that Canada would retaliate 'dollar for dollar,' targeting U.S. steel and dairy imports. The U.S. imposed the tariffs after three days of talks between Canadian and U.S. trade representatives, with the U.S. claiming last-minute changes in proposals were unfair. The new tariffs add to existing U.S. levies on steel, lumber, and autos, further straining Canada’s economy and complicating future trade negotiations. While the tariffs affect a smaller portion of Canadian exports, they threaten Canada’s economic recovery and its relationship with the U.S.
Iran warns countries against joining in US sanctions
Iran has warned countries against participating in U.S. sanctions, calling them an 'economic war' and stating that those involved would be considered enemies. Iranian officials, including Mohsen Rezai, head of the Supreme National Security Council, have threatened retaliation against nations supporting U.S. economic measures. The U.S. has urged allies, particularly China and the UAE, to join sanctions, though some countries have distanced themselves. The UAE suspended trade with Iran, while the U.S. threatens 'toughest sanctions in history.' Iran's foreign ministry criticized the sanctions as violating international law, and U.S. President Trump emphasized economic consequences for countries aiding Iran.
Four men appear in court after garda chase connected to burglary investigation
Four men appeared in Dublin court after being arrested during a garda car chase linked to a burglary investigation. Luke Wall, Hugh Cash, John Cash, and Michael Moorehouse McCarthy were charged with various offenses including burglary, dangerous driving, and obstruction. The suspects were pursued on the M50 after a silver Volvo S40 with distinctive features was linked to multiple burglaries across several counties. During the chase, the vehicle was stopped in Chapelizod, and items such as a screwdriver and cloned license plates were recovered. Some suspects fled on foot, with Moorehouse McCarthy evading capture by jumping over a wall and changing clothes before being apprehended. Gardaí reported finding a DoneDeal listing for a similar Volvo on Wall’s phone, suggesting possible connections to the stolen vehicle.
Seventeen-year-old girl killed in sword attack at school in Sweden
A 17-year-old girl was killed in a sword attack at a school in Fagersta, Sweden, during classes on Friday afternoon. Three others were injured, including two minors, though all received only minor injuries and were released from the hospital. An 18-year-old suspect was arrested and is currently under investigation for potential ties to online communities that promote school violence. Authorities are examining a TikTok account linked to the suspect that posted a photo of a sword 20 minutes before the attack, along with content referencing past violent incidents in Sweden and the Norwegian mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik. Political figures paused their campaign activities ahead of Sweden's upcoming general election, and both the prime minister and opposition leader visited the affected community to express support. This incident follows Sweden's worst mass shooting in February 2023 at a school in Örebro, where a gunman killed 10 people.
Irish man arrested in Australia after Irish woman (39) found dead with serious injuries
An Irish woman, Annmarie O'Reilly (39), was found dead with serious injuries inside a home in Ferntree Gully, Melbourne, Australia, on August 21. Emergency services responded around 10am Irish time and attempted to resuscitate her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. A 45-year-old man, believed to be from County Waterford, was arrested nearby and remains in custody. Police have not disclosed the nature of her injuries or the relationship between the victim and the suspect. The Homicide Squad is investigating, and forensic teams collected evidence. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed awareness of the incident and is providing consular support without commenting on specifics.
Just one in seven public consultants working Saturdays
A report by Ireland's Health Service Executive (HSE) reveals that only 14% of consultants on the public-only contract are working on Saturdays, and 38% are working extended day shifts. The data highlights slow progress in implementing the contract, which was introduced over three years ago to improve access to healthcare outside standard weekday hours. Social Democrats health spokesperson Padraig Rice criticized the low uptake, calling it 'unacceptable' and urging the government to lift a recruitment embargo to address staffing shortages. The Irish Medical Organisation emphasized the need for additional staff and resources to support weekend operations, noting challenges in managing patient appointments and clinic efficiency.