RTÉ Radio 1 New Weekday Schedule Launch – Monday
- RTÉ Radio 1 is launching a substantially refreshed weekday schedule this Monday,marking a new era for the national broadcaster.
- The most prominent shift sees David McCullagh taking the helm of the flagship Today program.
- Other adjustments include Oliver Callan's show expanding to a two-hour slot (11am-1pm), Louise Duffy taking over the 3pm slot, and Katie Hannon and Colm Ó Mongáin co-hosting Drivetime,...
RTÉ Radio 1 Overhauls Weekday Schedule: McCullagh,Cuddihy,and Hurley Lead New Lineup
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RTÉ Radio 1 is launching a substantially refreshed weekday schedule this Monday,marking a new era for the national broadcaster. The changes follow the retirements of long-standing presenters Joe Duffy and Claire Byrne, and the non-renewal of Ray D’Arcy’s contract. The revamped lineup features familiar faces in new roles and introduces fresh voices too the station.
Key Changes to the Schedule
The most prominent shift sees David McCullagh taking the helm of the flagship Today program. Kieran cuddihy, formerly of newstalk and Virgin Media, will inherit the challenging role of presenting Liveline, a show synonymous with Irish public discourse. A new hour-long sports show, Inside Sport, will debut after the 6 o’clock news, hosted by Jacqui Hurley and Marie Crowe.
| Timeslot | Previous Host/Show | New host/Show |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Today with Claire Byrne | Today with David McCullagh |
| 11:00 AM | Oliver Callan (1 hour) | Oliver Callan (2 hours) |
| 1:45 PM | liveline with Joe Duffy | Liveline with kieran cuddihy |
| 3:00 PM | Ray D’Arcy Show | Louise duffy |
| 4:00 PM | Drivetime with various hosts | Drivetime with Katie Hannon & Colm Ó Mongáin |
| 6:00 PM | Various | Inside Sport with Jacqui Hurley & Marie Crowe |
Other adjustments include Oliver Callan’s show expanding to a two-hour slot (11am-1pm), Louise Duffy taking over the 3pm slot, and Katie Hannon and Colm Ó Mongáin co-hosting Drivetime, moving it to an earlier 4pm timeslot. The future of Arena remains uncertain following the passing of it’s long-time presenter, Seán Rocks last July.
The Impact of Presenter Departures
The schedule shakeup is directly linked to several key departures.joe Duffy’s retirement after decades at the helm of Liveline created a notable void. Claire Byrne’s move to Newstalk, announced in late 2023, prompted the search for a new Today presenter. Furthermore, RTÉ’s decision not to renew Ray D’Arcy’s contract opened up the 3pm slot.
These changes represent a strategic attempt by RTÉ to revitalize its flagship radio station and appeal to a modern Irish audience. The broadcaster acknowledges the need to adapt to evolving listening habits and maintain its position as a leading source of news, current affairs, and entertainment.
What to Expect from the New Presenters
David McCullagh: RTÉ promises McCullagh will bring a distinctive sharp, skilled approach
to Today, covering breaking news and featuring segments on consumer advice, health, culture, and technology.
Kieran Cuddihy: Cuddihy is tasked with continuing Liveline‘s legacy as Ireland’s premier public-access programme, facilitating listener opinions and stories. His experience at Newstalk suggests a willingness to engage in robust debate.
Jacqui Hurley & Marie Crowe: Inside Sport aims to provide the latest news, previews and reactions, live updates and straight-talking insight
into the world of sports.
FAQs
- Why are these changes happening? The changes are a result of presenter departures (Joe Duffy, Claire Byrne, Ray D’Arcy) and RTÉ’s desire to refresh its schedule for a modern audience.
- When does the new schedule start? Monday, April 29, 2024.
- who will present Arena? A replacement for Seán Rocks has not yet been announced.
- Will Liveline be different under Kieran Cuddihy? While Cuddihy will aim to maintain the show’s core principles, his style and approach may differ from Joe Duffy’s.
Next Steps
Listeners can tune in to RTÉ Radio 1 from Monday, April 29th to experience the new schedule. RTÉ is expected to announce a replacement for the Arena presenter in the coming weeks. The success of the revamped schedule will likely be measured by audience figures and listener feedback.