RTÉ confirms major changes to the Lotto and other programming are on the way

RTÉ's Director General has said the Irish broadcaster is looking at outsourcing its Lottery programming. 

Speaking in the Oireachtas today, Kevin Bakhurst said "radio, sport, news and current affairs will remain in-house," but that the Lotto would be sourced elsewhere, according to The Journal. 

"That costs us a lot of money to do, and there's a better way to do it and it also enables us to let a few more people leave who we couldn't leave this year," he said. 

Kevin Bakhurst was being questioned by Social Democrats TD, Sinéad Gibney, when he also revealed that the feasibility of certain popular shows is being looked at. 

"We've already talked about Fair City and The Late Late publicly," he said. 

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Fair City will have to be made off-site as RTÉ's presence on the Donnybrook campus slowly reduces. 

Expressions of interest will be sought from those in the independent sector, according to the Irish Independent. 

The national broadcaster is also looking at whether it will continue to operate as a "fully independent" or "hybrid" service. 

Deputy Gibney asked whether any other programmes were being assessed and was told that "there are a few smaller things, yes." 

One of those is the studio mass on Sunday, which will be replaced. 

RTÉ is working with an independent production company that will create religious services programming.