RTÉ To Close Aertel Service

RTÉ are to close it's Aertel service from October 12, it has been confirmed.

According to the broadcaster, this decision was based on their 2024 Strategy, which was published in 2019, as part of an "ongoing and necessary evolution" as a media organisation, which looks to provide live and on-demand services, along with a variation to its programming and content to audiences.

Since 2019, RTÉ have also diverted resources which were previously used for Aertel services, towards improving online services including the RTÉ website, app, as well as RTÉ player, RTÉ Radio Player app. 

The organisation have put this decision down to a need to prioritise delivering digital services to audiences. 

RTÉ have stated that their decision to close their Aertel service for the following reasons:

• The availability of all Aertel content – and more – across RTÉ’s television, radio and online services, including the RTÉ News and RTÉ Radio Player apps, and on other online platforms and media.
• Increased audience demand for RTÉ programming and content online and through apps and smart speakers.
• Lack of support technology available for Aertel, a limited legacy text service. Many technical components in the Aertel systems are no longer supported by the manufacturer, with further elements losing support later this year. The technology required to deliver the Aertel service has limited availability and is not supported on many newer TVs or set top boxes.

They have also stated that the introduction of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022, means that they are not legally require to provide a teletext service.