RTÉ bosses were left red-faced today when details of a long-running internal mix-up were leaked to members of the press.

Staff at the national broadcaster recently became aware that private video clips were mistakenly being published on the official RTÉ YouTube channel.

The error is believed to have been caused by the incorrect naming of a folder on RTÉ’s internal network. The folder in question contained video clips of particularly embarrassing and deplorable programming. It was intended that these videos be used by management to highlight the weaknesses in programming areas most needing of immediate attention. The process was implemented as part of internal quality measures during a period of cost cutting for the beleaguered public service broadcaster.

As a result of the blunder, clips showcasing some of the worst video content ever created have been published to RTÉ’s YouTube channel for as long as two years.

Management at RTÉ stated that they are ‘disappointed’ by the error, and that an internal investigation into the incident has begun.