Raidió Teilifís Éireann, known as RTÉ, is the main television and radio broadcaster in the Republic of Ireland. RTÉ began broadcasting radio programmes on January 21st, 1926 and began broadcasting television programmes on December 31st, 1961. RTÉ is one of the oldest television and radio broadcasters in the world. RTÉ is owned by the Irish government but is controlled by an independent body. Today RTÉ broadcasts two television stations and four radio stations. Raidió teilifís éireann are the words of the Irish language (gaeilge) that mean "radio and television of Ireland".