All queries regarding RTÉ’s Delivery & Transmission requirements can be addressed to Independent Productions, Tel: 01 208 2743 / 01 208 3429.

The giving of screen credits is an integral part of the production process, so it is desirable that appropriate care is always taken to guarantee fairness and consistency, and to maintain high production values generally. RTÉ seeks to ensure that adequate screen credit is given to those involved creatively in the production of programmes which it screens, including those who, by law, have the right to identification as author or director. RTÉ is also concerned that the best and most effective use is made of valuable screen time, and that this time is not wasted by overlong or over-elaborate credit sequences. As long as they are in compliance with the provisions of these Credits Specifications, the actual choice and layout of credits is seen by RTÉ as a matter for the producer.

Much of the detail of these Credits Specifications has to do with the nature and positioning of major credits at the beginnings and endings of credit sequences, and a certain complexity also results from RTÉ’s requirement to clearly agree all forms of funding (including reciprocal and indirect arrangements) together with all consequent on-screen credits, in its commissioned programming. In this respect, the submission by producer/suppliers of credits details for prior approval by RTÉ will simplify the process in most cases.

Please Note: In all cases, and as stipulated in the contract, the producer/supplier will undertake to deliver to RTÉ, before end credits are added to a programme, a completed list of credits for approval by RTÉ. In the case of series programmes in which only small credit details will vary from programme to programme, RTÉ may agree to facilitate the producer/supplier by requiring only a single, fully-representative sample list of credits for prior approval. Please note that this last facility excludes all circumstances in which any changes are made to: key credits, such as those incorporating or involving credit to RTÉ, co-financiers, co-producers, production companies, distributors, sponsors and charities; the Copyright Notice; and any credits or words connected with ‘thank yous’, dedications, statements, humourous mentions, remarks or allusions etc.

OBs, studios, post-production facilities and suppliers of single-camera units and other film or broadcast equipment should not be credited, unless otherwise agreed in writing by RTÉ. Thus, for example, editing and post-production credits should be assigned to the film/video editor and sound dubbing supervisor rather than to a facility or facilities house.

These Credits Guidelines are subject to the Guidelines for RTÉ’s Policy on Sponsorship of Programmes, as may be drawn up and amended from time to time.

RTÉ uses End Credit Squeeze backs/Secondary Events. This is the process where programme end credits are temporarily repositioned on air creating valuable space to promote upcoming programmes and services. This process is proven to prevent channel switching and is a useful service to the viewer.

For RTÉ to use End Credit Squeeze backs/Secondary Events effectively, programme end credits must be delivered in a standardised format so that they remain readable when manipulated.

Attached you will find the Guidelines and reference material together with an example of what the finished product will look like on air.

Audience Data Services is a unit of the Audience Research Department which was set up to provide a range of analyses of programmes and programming for RTÉ’s external clients, including programme makers commissioned by RTÉ.  Production companies requiring a more detailed analysis of their programme’s performance (over and above the basic rating information provided by Independent Productions) can contact the RTÉ Audience Insight and discuss their needs.  In the light of the client’s requirements, a formal costed proposal is faxed to the client to address his/her stated needs.  Information is provided either by way of a formal report or more informally as appropriate.  Costs relate to the extent of the research involved to furnish the information required.  For more information you can contact audresearchinfo@rte.ie.

RTÉ has written this policy to ensure the safety of all children that we engage with across all aspects of our business. It has been developed in line with the requirements of ‘Child First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2011″.

All RTÉ staff and contributors should be aware of and should abide by the RTÉ Social Media Guidelines. Staff and contributors should take care to preserve RTÉ’s editorial integrity in any comments or postings made by them on social media sites, even if these are of a personal or hybrid type. Comments or criticisms on public events, issues or personalities, whether originated or copied/ shared, or whether explicit or implied, which may appear to compromise the editorial independence and impartiality of an RTÉ editorial professional or RTÉ itself are damaging to RTÉ’s interest and public responsibility and should not be engaged in.

These revised guidelines (available here in English and Irish) take a One RTÉ approach, and take account of broader changes in technology, in legislation, and of the general and rapid evolution in the media landscape. These Guidelines apply to all RTÉ content, irrespective of the platform on which it is published.

The principles of trust, accuracy, fairness, independence, and serving the public interest, remain at the cornerstone of all we do, and everywhere that we do it. Everyone who is involved in the production of content or the publishing of content for RTÉ is required to understand and comply with these guidelines.