RTP's Independent Council Critiques Government's Advertising Cut: A Flawed Financial Move?

Government's Advertising Cut Decision Criticized

There is a widespread consensus within the Independent General Council (CGI) of RTP regarding the government's decision to end advertising on public service: "the measure is wrong". This statement was made by Alberto Arons de Carvalho, a member of the CGI, during a parliamentary session.

Following critical hearings of both the Board of Administration and the Advisory Council of RTP, Arons de Carvalho echoed their concerns about the government’s decisions.

Flawed Financial Projections

He argued that the government's plan to gradually eliminate advertising from 2025 to 2027 aims to cut predictable revenues without a known alternative, which "doesn't make sense". He criticized the government’s projected loss of €18 million from the advertising cut, suggesting that the CGI’s calculations indicate a much higher figure of €36 million. He noted, "If we foresee cutting two minutes in the first year, four in the second, and six in the third year, that totals €36 million, not €18 million".

Financing the RTP

Emphasizing that the financing model of RTP is "extremely relevant for rights, freedoms, and guarantees", he questioned whether such a significant issue should only be part of the concession contract or included in legislative changes or state budget laws. Arons de Carvalho raised concerns about potential "constitutional problems" due to systematic financing cuts affecting the operational integrity of public radio and television.

He proposed an increase in the Audiovisual Contribution (CAV), which is included in electricity bills, as a more stable funding option compared to compensatory indemnities, which would make RTP overly reliant on economic and political situations. He stated that "the CAV is more predictable and regular", and highlighted that it has not been updated in years.

Urgent Call for Government Action

Arons de Carvalho urged the government to either reconsider its misguided decision or for the parliament to take legislative actions to prevent this situation. He asserted that "there are services that only exist because they are on RTP", referencing regional programming and international channels, and emphasized the significant impact of drastic revenue cuts without known alternatives.

He pointed out that RTP is among the cheapest public services in Europe in terms of GDP per capita, comparing it to the BBC and RTVE, and argued that RTP is a competitive product given its role.

He concluded by suggesting that the intention behind the measure seems to be to benefit private television operators, although he doubts their existence as the revenue transfer would likely go to digital platforms.

Additional Voices

Isabel Medina, another CGI member, remarked that "undercutting RTP is undermining the country's future", questioning the motives behind this attack on RTP at this juncture. These comments drew criticism from the PSD, with deputy Carlos Reis rejecting the notion that RTP is under attack, stating that the hearings appeared to be more of an attack on the government itself.