RTE is ‘seriously considering’ outsourcing the entire production of the Late Late Show to an external media company, Extra.ie has learned
The iconic chat show, which first aired on RTE on July 6th, 1962, has always been filmed in-house at RTE’s Montrose studio in Dublin 4.
But as the national broadcaster battles an ongoing financial crisis amid a dramatic drop in licence fee income, the station is facing drastic cost-cutting measures, including the outsourcing of major shows.
Current Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty. Pic: Andres Poveda
‘RTE has major decisions to make to get their house in order, a source told Extra.
‘They have been thrown a lifeline, in terms of a government bailout, to keep the ship afloat as it were. But this isn’t a bottomless pit, and it comes with stipulations that they make the necessary cuts and use the funds wisely and output broadcasts that serve the public,’ the source continued.
Could Ryan Tubridy return to The Late Late Show? Pic: Andres Poveda
‘These measures include either canning or outsourcing big shows that cost a lot to produce. And the Late Late is top of the list.’
The insider also said it’s not just the finances that are in dire straits, as The Late Late Show itself needs a shakeup.
‘It’s no state secret that the Late Late is seen, by not an inconsequential number of people, to be outdated.
RTÉ are ‘seriously considering’ outsourcing the entire production of the Late Late Show to an external media company. Pic: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie
‘The set is stale, and it’s been that way for far too long. It needs more razzmatazz, it needs better guests to draw people back to it, and to attract a new audience. And that takes funds.’
With those considerations in mind, the RTE higher brass are vigorously exploring the possibility of outsourcing the show to an independent production company.
Patrick Kielty on The Late Late Show St Patrick’s Day special. Pic: Andres Poveda
In response to queries from Extra.ie RTE confirmed they are exploring the option of outsourcing the Friday evening show, saying;
“RTÉ has spoken publicly about the need to assess the future production models of both The Late Late Show and Fair City.
“This assessment is only at an early stage, and no conclusions have been reached. “