Change in the air at RTÉ Radio
18 August 09

RTÉ Radio has launched its new autumn seasons across its 11 national radio services, including its four FM services, six digital services and the new RTÉ Radio 1 Extra.

Miriam O'Callaghan, Marty Whelan, Deirdre Purcell and Eibhlín Ní Chonghaile take up key new slots in the schedule that sees a total of 13 new series, including brand new arts, rural affairs, music and sports programming.

Announcing the new schedules, her first since becoming managing director of RTÉ Radio in February, Clare Duignan described the challenge of creating real value and choice for listeners in an increasingly competitive radio market and against the backdrop of a changing economic climate.

Meanwhile, RTÉ Radio Drama and RTÉ Radio 1's Documentary on One will premiere an ambitious new slate of original plays and documentaries alongside a returning schedule of regional, maritime, news and current affairs, poetry, specialist music, business, religious and disability programming, across all the services.
 
Ms Duignan announced several key changes to the schedule, including the move of Dave Fanning to the 7pm slot on RTÉ 2fm and the extension of Drivetime to 7pm, with Des Cahill rejoining the show. Marty Whelan will present the weekday lunchtime slot on RTÉ Lyric. Author Deirdre Purcell will present at weekends on the station, and Gay Byrne returns on Sundays.