The official addressed the parliamentary committee on Culture, Communication, Youth, and Sports, following a request by the Socialist Party (PS), after being dismissed from his position by the RTP Board of Directors in June.
“The reasons for the dismissal are those that were communicated to me,” said António José Teixeira, who repeatedly stated they were the “need for renewal” and “restructuring,” during approximately an hour-long hearing.
“I cannot speculate on them [the reasons for dismissal], (…) I leave that to those who are in a better position” to address the matter, he continued.
António José Teixeira, who mentioned he had already been heard by the Regulatory Authority for the Media (ERC) regarding his dismissal, stated that the Board’s decision is legitimate and that “mandates are not eternal.”
Regarding whether the formalities were respected, “obviously there are mechanisms that must be observed in this matter, and I believe they are being taken,” he emphasized, noting that the administration had reportedly contacted the Editorial Board, after the ERC urged the Board to follow procedures.
“The restructuring of RTP, which was announced, goes beyond the information management,” stated the exonerated director of information when questioned on the subject.
He also highlighted the governance model of RTP, the Independent General Council (CGI), created by the then minister Miguel Poiares Maduro to ensure the independence of the public media group.
“It provided significant autonomy for the company, and I have benefited from this autonomy and freedom, which benefits our work at RTP, protecting it from attempts of interference,” he stressed.
António José Teixeira also dismissed any direct interference from current or former government members.
