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 399
87/100
Factual
82/100
Objective
743
Articles
743
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
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Spain held to a draw by Cape Verde in World Cup clash
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Scotland makes a hard-fought debut victory against Haiti at the World Cup
Elite Swedish strike force delivers Tunisian defence a reality check
Recent coverage
Sudan's RSF closes in on Al Obeid as UN warned of imminent atrocities
Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, is advancing toward Al Obeid in the North Kordofan region, which is currently held by the Sudanese army. The city has experienced significant disruptions due to RSF drone strikes targeting both military and civilian infrastructure, including the main power station, leading to power outages, water shortages, and hospital operations being affected. Residents report that life remains mostly normal despite these challenges, though fuel shortages persist after attacks on gas stations. Videos circulating online show RSF fighters claiming they will capture Al Obeid within days. Al Obeid is strategically important as it houses the army's 5th Infantry Division and serves as a major commercial hub. Losing this city would be a significant setback for the army, similar to their previous loss of El Fasher in Darfur, which led to widespread atrocities by the RSF. In response, multiple countries, including Norway, Britain, France, and Germany, have raised concerns at the UN Human Rights Council, warning of potential large-scale atrocities if the RSF escalates its assault on Al Obeid.
An American gets the maximum amount of recovery time at Wimbledon.
The article discusses the scheduling of the first-round doubles match at Wimbledon involving American tennis player Serena Williams and her sister Venus Williams against the Argentine-Colombian pair Solana Sierra and Camila Osorio. The match was initially scheduled for Thursday and Friday but has been postponed due to Serena's injury during her singles match. Tournament organizer Andy Murray (likely a misstatement, as Andy Murray is a British player, and the correct name might be someone like Ashley Barker or another official) stated they are giving Serena as much time as possible to recover. They ruled out postponing the match to later dates unless necessary for safety or tournament flow. The match is expected to take place on a larger court to accommodate the large crowd attracted by Serena and Venus, who are major stars. Serena returned to professional tennis after four years, but she lost her first singles match and injured her knee. She did not attend a press conference afterward due to health reasons and expressed her commitment to participating in the doubles event. Serena and Venus have won six doubles titles together, including a title in 2016.
Ukraine reports two dead after night attacks by Russia, with the death toll in Kiev rising to 30.
At least two people were killed and eight injured in Russian air strikes on the Sumy region and Kryvyj Rih in Ukraine during the night of Thursday to Friday, according to Ukrainian authorities. This follows a large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv earlier in the week which killed at least 30 people and injured around 100 others. In response to the attacks, Ukraine conducted missile strikes on Belgorod in Russia, causing a fire at an energy facility and killing one woman, according to Russian media. The overnight strike on the city of Romny in the Sumy region hit a residential building, killing two women and injuring a man, reported regional administrator Oleh Hryhorov via Telegram. Another seven people were injured in a missile strike on Kryvyj Rih, according to military city administrator Oleksandr Vilkul. In Kyiv, teams discovered three more dead bodies during the night, bringing the total number of victims to 30, according to Reuters citing Ukrainian health authorities. Kyiv's military administrator Tymur Tkačenko stated that the attack injured 99 people. Moscow claimed the extensive attack was a response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, including those carried
Corporation tax up 4.7% in first half of year to €13.7bn
The article reports on Ireland's Exchequer figures for the first half of 2026, showing a total tax revenue of €50 billion, slightly ahead of the same period in 2025. Corporation tax increased by 4.7% to €13.7 billion, while income tax rose by 6.7% to €18.6 billion. The Exchequer recorded a surplus of €700 million. However, excluding one-time revenues from the Apple tax windfall, total tax receipts were 4.8% higher. Other taxes like stamp duty, capital gains tax, and capital acquisitions tax saw declines compared to the previous year. On the spending side, total expenditure reached €61.4 billion, with gross voted expenditure €54.4 billion, exceeding forecasts by 1%.
In the tropical Pacific, El Niño conditions have set in, researchers say.
The article reports that researchers from New Zealand’s Earth Sciences organization (ESNZ) have identified conditions consistent with the El Niño climate phenomenon in the tropical Pacific. They warn that impacts on New Zealand’s weather are likely to intensify over the coming months. The ESNZ joined other organizations in Australia, Japan, and the U.S. in confirming the development of El Niño, which is expected to reach strong intensity between July and September. The effects are projected to peak during the Southern Hemisphere summer, spanning late 2023 into early 2024. According to lead researcher Chris Brandolini, this El Niño event is at least comparable in strength to five of the strongest recorded El Niños in modern history. The article outlines regional rainfall expectations, noting potential below-average precipitation in some areas and above-normal levels in others. It also mentions possible temperature fluctuations and increased wind variability later in the year. Additionally, it notes two lower-probability risks: sudden stratospheric warming and the occurrence of a tropical cyclone outside the typical season, both historically linked to El Niño. Brandolini connects the
Pico Lopes prepares for Messi as family scramble to return for World Cup history
Pico Lopes, a Cape Verde national and former Shamrock Rovers defender, is preparing to face Argentina's Lionel Messi in the FIFA World Cup round of 32 in Miami. His journey to representing Cape Verde began in 2018 after initially declining a call-up, and he has become a standout player for his country. Cape Verde's historic run in the tournament includes a draw with Spain and victories over Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Lopes' family, including his wife Leah and young son Diego, has made significant efforts to travel from Dublin to Miami to support him. They have traveled across the U.S., with the help of friends and family, to ensure they can attend the match. Pico's parents and siblings are also working to secure travel arrangements to witness the game, highlighting the emotional significance of this moment for the Lopes family.
20 gardaí sent home as part of dispute over rest days
At least 20 police officers (gardaí) in Ireland were sent home after arriving for work in the southeast region, as their services were deemed unnecessary for an EU Presidency-related event in Cork. The officers had been instructed to report to Cork at 7am but were informed by a Chief Superintendent that they were no longer needed. This incident is linked to an ongoing dispute over compensation for work performed on rest days. The Garda Representative Association (GRA) supported the officers' actions, calling it a 'brave stand,' and argued that the situation violated the Working Time Act. The GRA emphasized that rest days cannot be routinely canceled without providing premium pay. Garda Headquarters acknowledged the issue and stated it would resolve disputes through existing processes, while thanking most officers for their efforts during the EU Presidency.
Unions to prepare industrial action ballots over pay deal
Public sector unions in Ireland are preparing for potential industrial action ballots due to the expiration of the last pay deal and stalled negotiations for a new agreement. The previous pay deal, which ran from January 2024 to June 2026, provided up to 10.25% total pay increases over two-and-a-half years. Unions argue that inflation has eroded recent pay raises and that the government has not offered a clear plan for addressing pay and living standards. They emphasize the need for clarity on pay before broader discussions can proceed. Meanwhile, Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers stated his goal is to reach an agreement without increasing costs, while union leaders stress that their demands include a realistic approach to pay and other workplace issues.
Relief for Govt as EU Presidency off to a good start
Ireland's government expressed relief as the EU's College of Commissioners' visit to Cork proceeded without major issues. The event followed concerns over delays in an investigation into Aughinish Alumina's operations, particularly amid scrutiny over its ties to Russian-aligned companies. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured European officials that Ireland would lead the investigation, defusing potential criticism. Discussions also touched on potential EU measures regarding Palestinian rights, sanctions against Israeli settlers, and proposed restrictions on social media use for children. Irish ministers highlighted progress on these issues while acknowledging ongoing challenges, including migration control under new EU border rules.
Lyra McKee’s family says justice system ‘completely failed’ as men found not guilty of murder
Three men from Derry were found not guilty of murdering journalist Lyra McKee in 2019. McKee, a 29-year-old from Belfast, was killed during riots in the Creggan area of Derry when she was struck by a bullet near police vehicles. The New IRA claimed responsibility for the attack. The trial, which took place in Belfast Crown Court in 2024, resulted in the acquittal of Jordan Devine, Paul McIntyre, and Peter Cavanagh. McKee's family expressed deep disappointment, stating that the justice system 'completely failed' their loved one and Northern Ireland. They criticized the lack of witnesses coming forward with evidence and called for an end to the 'culture of silence' in the region. The judge acknowledged the tragedy but noted that the evidence against the defendants was insufficient for a conviction.
Over 10,800 abortions last year, HSE figures show
Ireland's Health Services Executive (HSE) released a report detailing the expansion of abortion services since 2019, showing 46,841 terminations reported between 2019 and 2024. Annual numbers rose from 6,666 in the first year to 10,852 in 2024, with Dublin accounting for the highest number of cases. All 19 maternity hospitals now offer medical termination, and the number of general practitioners providing early medical abortions increased from 310 to 480. Community-based early medical abortion became the primary method, with 81% of procedures being medical terminations. The report noted a 6% complication rate, though serious complications were rare. It also outlined challenges such as regional disparities in access, limited surgical options, and barriers faced by migrant and rural populations.
Scope of Jozef Puska's appeal to overturn murder conviction may change, lawyers tell court
Jozef Puska, a 35-year-old man serving a life sentence for the murder of 23-year-old schoolteacher Ashling Murphy, is appealing his conviction. His legal team has informed the court that the scope of the appeal might change following recent developments. Originally scheduled for April 23, the appeal was postponed after Puska's barristers requested to withdraw, leading to a new hearing date of July 15. During a recent court session, Senior Counsel John Berry indicated that new instructions from Puska could significantly shorten the appeal process and potentially alter its focus. The court has adjourned the matter until July 10. Puska, who claims he stopped working in 2017 due to a back injury, is represented by legal aid, similar to his trial representation. The prosecution alleges that Puska stabbed Murphy 11 times in the neck and slashed her with a blade before abandoning her in a secluded area, where she later died.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce reported to have wed
An article reports that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have married in private, according to the New York Post's Page Six, which cites multiple unnamed sources. The wedding is described as taking place in front of a small group of loved ones, though the exact location and date remain unspecified. The report notes that Swift's private jet was recently seen in Nashville, Tennessee, suggesting a possible connection to the ceremony. While Swift's publicist has not commented, preparations are underway for a large celebration at Madison Square Garden, with plans for a 100-person event on Thursday and a larger gathering on Friday. The couple's union has been dubbed 'America's royal wedding' and is considered one of the most anticipated celebrity weddings of the century. Their engagement was announced in August 2025 after a public courtship, during which Swift showed support for Kelce at his football games and accompanied him on global tours. Celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Ed Sheeran, Emma Stone, and Gigi Hadid are expected to attend the festivities.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
