This week came with the somewhat shocking decision by RTÉ to outsource all of its children's programming, as the company does its best to cut costs and keep the national broadcaster afloat.

On Wednesday evening, contracted staff of RTÉ's children's programming were informed that there contracts would be terminated, and that they would need to search for work elsewhere.

As RTÉ desperately tries to save money, reports are suggesting that popular soap Fair City could be on the chopping block.

Despite the show raking in more than half a million viewers each evening, it is understood that outsourcing the show has been an option in the past.


"That option has always been on the cards and two or three years ago they did try and cost it off site," an insider told the Independent.

"There was a rumour about the young people's department in recent months which has now come true. So people are concerned about what will happen next."

When contacted, RTÉ only said that it "continues to conduct a review of its output. However, no further decision could be made at this time."

Currently RTÉ is in discussions to sell part of its campus in Donnybrook for the building of 500 homes, in a sale that could net the company €50 million.

It's all penny pinching at RTÉ however, as the broadcaster recorded losses of €2.8 million in 2015.