RTE threaten to withdraw support from Tara TV

RTE have threatened to withdraw their support from Tara TV, the cable and satellite station.
RTE have decided to pull the plug on its assistance to the channel following a dispute over mounting debts within Tara TV.
RTE, which owns 20 per cent of Tara, have given notice that they will cease the supply of Irish programming from May, as Tara owe RTE €1.77 million in unpaid programming charges.
RTE have concluded that Tara TV are no longer a viable business, and oppose Tara's move to place the company into examinership. The station supplies a selection of RTE entertainment and sports programming to 6.3 million British subscribers.
RTE have already written off their Tara TV loss in their 2001 accounts.
In a statement, RTE claimed that Tara are costing the broadcaster up to €500,000 a year.
RTE are a statutory corporation providing a comprehensive service on radio (since 1926) and on television (since 1961), and a large range of ancillary services. In a highly competitive broadcasting environment RTÉ is the distinctive leader in the Irish media, with its on five radio and two television channels.
RTE, www.rte.ie
Tara TV, www.tara.net
(GB)