The management of RTP Television was dismissed on June 24 by the Board of Directors, which appointed journalist Vítor Gonçalves as the new Director of Information for the public broadcaster.
In its request, the Socialist Party (PS) noted that although the restructuring of RTP was included in the Action Plan for Social Communication and the Strategic Plan 2024-2026, “it is with surprise” that the parliamentary group of the Socialist Party “received the announcement of the change in the direction of information at RTP.”
This is because “in addition to the questions raised by the Journalists’ Union and the explanations that later became public, this management decision (…) coincides with the start of a new legislature and the beginning of a new political cycle, prompting us to consider the significance that this coincidence of calendars holds from the standpoint of the independence of a central public service for the maintenance of democracy,” stated the PS in the request, which urgently requested a hearing with RTP’s administration and journalist António José Teixeira.
On July 1, the president of RTP stated that the decision regarding the dismissal of the information director at the public broadcaster is the exclusive responsibility of the Board of Directors and dismissed any political interference.
The dismissal of the director of information “does not have to be interpreted politically,” stated Nicolau Santos, speaking at the “Media Nation Debate” panel as part of the 34th APDC Congress.
“It is the exclusive responsibility of RTP’s Board of Directors and has no political interference,” the manager emphasized.
“Companies have cycles,” and “António José Teixeira and his team did a fantastic job,” he noted at the time, mentioning that another phase has now begun.
“It is not only the television director who is leaving; it was not targeted specifically at the direction of television information; I hope to count on António José Teixeira at RTP,” he stated, noting the journalist’s professional journey “has gone through cycles and will surely face new challenges.”
Parliament also approved the hearing of RTP’s Board of Directors concerning the dismissal and the company’s restructuring.
Today, António José Teixeira will be heard by the members of the Parliamentary Committee on Culture, Communication, Youth, and Sports.
The new organization of RTP reduces the number of directors to 23, down from the previous 30 directors and deputy directors.
