RTÉ is keeping key programmes and services on air despite the Covid-19 pandemic, and has announced additional new programmes and content to keep audiences in Ireland entertained and informed.
EDUCATION
RTÉ’s Home School Hub for primary students will be broadcast on RTÉ2 twice a day and supported by online educational materials on RTÉ.ie and RTÉ Player
INFORMATION
RTÉ will broadcast live from the Department of Health every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7pm on RTÉ One, with latest developments and questions from viewers answered
NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS
In Lessons from Wuhan, David McCullagh speaks to leading Chinese medical professionals in Wuhan and to a panel of leading Irish medical professionals about what we can learn from ground zero of Covid-19 in a special audio podcast and online programme (RTÉ Player).
RTÉ News will continue to cover breaking developments, on air and online, while Prime Time and Claire Byrne Live will have analysis of the crisis
WELLBEING
Operation Covid Nation, with Kathryn Thomas and the Operation Transformation team, will be a special series to help people stay healthy in mind and body at this uncertain time
SPORT
In response to public demand, RTÉ is planning to relive a host of golden sporting moments, from unforgettable Olympic and World Cup showdowns, to the blood and thunder of All-Ireland final days (details to be announced)
ENTERTAINMENT
A range of classics will return to Irish TV screens, including Love Hate (all five seasons), Bachelors Walk, Pure Mule as well as classic Irish movies such as The Guard. Derry Girls will air for the first time on Irish television
ARTS
ISPCC / CHILDLINE in association with RTÉ 2FM, along with some of Ireland’s top artists, will come together to present a two week long digital live music event in support of children in Ireland.
RTE.ie/culture will continue to showcase huge amounts of content and a range of new arts and culture initiatives will be announced in the coming days and weeks.
‘Key priority’
Dee Forbes, Director-General, says: “People at home and abroad are coming to RTÉ in huge numbers right now. Up-to-date news and information has rarely been so important and it remains a key priority in our schedules.
“We’re also doing all we can to lighten the mood too, where possible, and to entertain people and families as we all develop new routines. We’re supporting virtual community initiatives that bring us together while we have to be apart, and we’re supporting teachers, children and parents through this uncertain period. Mass and minority faith messages are available too.
“These are the first of what will be many changes to our schedules and services over the coming weeks. I want to assure audiences that RTÉ will be with you every day and every night, on the radio, on your phone, online and on your TV.
“RTÉ is your national broadcaster and we will do all we can at this time of national crisis to keep audiences informed, entertained and connected.”
Innovative
RTÉ is embracing a range of innovative new production models and technologies to ensure that key services are maintained, with many radio programmes on RTÉ Radio 1, 2fm, RTÉ lyric fm and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta broadcasting from off-site locations.
The new programming announced will sit alongside RTÉ’s comprehensive multi-platform news services, which have been bringing audiences breaking news, expert analysis, and in-depth information throughout this time of national crisis.
The Late Late Show, The Today Show, Nationwide will continue. Meanwhile RTÉ Radio 1, 2fm, RTÉ lyric fm and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta are continuing to inform, entertain and offer a much needed break, while RTÉ.ie will continue to serve a huge range of written, visual and audio content to audiences at home and abroad.
In addition, RTÉ Player will offer a range of binge-worthy box sets, and TV viewers can also enjoy some brand-new international drama, including the third series of Killing Eve, The Act with Golden Globe winning Patricia Arquette, Blue Bloods, Grey’s Anatomy and Derry Girls.
