RTÉ is to launch a new morning news bulletin as part of a number of changes across its News and Current Affairs division.
From early next year, RTÉ One will broadcast a live two-hour morning news programme on weekdays between 9-11am. The news show will be produced by RTÉ News Now.
A new-look ‘Prime Time’ will also be launched and will be broadcast from a larger studio.
‘Prime Time’ and ‘The Frontline’ will also become “more unified”, sharing the same dedicated studio to allow flexibility to the format of the programmes.
Pat Kenny and Miriam O’Callaghan will remain at the heart of RTÉ’s current affairs output and will be joined by Claire Byrne as co-presenter and by George Lee who will bring his economic and business expertise to the programme. ‘The Frontline’ will also be moved to a more prominent time slot of 9.30pm.
‘The Week in Politics’ will also move broadcasting slots and will transmit at the earlier time of midday on Sundays, as well as on Sunday evenings.
David Nally, managing editor of TV Current Affairs said of the changes: “I’m delighted that current affairs will be an even more prominent part of the RTÉ One TV schedule in 2013 and that we’ll have greater flexibility to mix the talents of our presenting and reporting teams and provide a greater variety of formats to our viewers.”
New roles have also been created within the RTÉ News and Current Affairs area. These are correspondent positions in Science and Technology and GAA and an Assignments Editor, Political News.
Appointments will also be made to the positions of Editor, Prime Time; Head of Investigative Unit; Managing Editor, News (Television); and Western correspondent in the next few weeks.
There will be significant emphasis on cutting-edge technology for faster news-gathering. RTÉ News has committed to using the latest expertise in order to provide the best service to its viewing, listening and online audiences.
This will include a roll out of smartphones with a capacity to feed directly into news bulletins and plans to link up with a wireless network in Dublin which will enable journalists to report live from anywhere in the capital.
Kevin Bakhurst, managing director of RTÉ News and Current Affairs, said: “These changes are a very clear signal of our commitment to strong current affairs programming and to investigative journalism.
“And as we bring in the latest technology to deliver our content, we will position RTÉ News as one of the most modern, multi-platform broadcasters in Europe.”
