Funferal

RTE radio schedules to change

RTÉ has announced significant changes to its afternoon and evening radio schedules on both Radio One and 2FM. It seems that staff are concerned at some of the changes, and I’m not too surprised.
First, certain well-liked shows, such as the Mystery Train, are being cut, which always leads to audience concern and dissatisfaction. I’m uncertain, too, whether ‘The Book on One’ will be integrated into the ‘Nightlines’ arts show that will run from 11pm to midnight. (I’ve always been a fan of the serialized audio book section, often read by the author.)
Second, the schedule seems incredibly light on detail or clarity for what is such a critical move. Several shows are still listed under ‘working’ titles, which seems strange.
I note that the early evening schedule, from 5 to 8pm, is now structured as a three-hour ‘strand’ of thematic shows – with 90 minutes of news and current affairs, followed by 30 minutes of sports, and then an hour of “popular culture, entertainment and music” hosted by current 2FM presenter Dave Fanning. An interesting move, but I wonder how the sections will fit together – will there be a common sound? – and whether it will work as well as a magazine format, with the sections more closely intertwined, would. Also, Fanning is well-regarded within RTÉ, but John Kelly’s more eclectic and less rock-oriented style seemed more suitable to the station. We’ll see how things develop….