Introduction: A landmark change for RTÉ Radio 1
RTÉ revealed its most significant Radio 1 schedule shake-up in 25 years, part of the broadcaster’s New Direction Strategy. Director of Audio Patricia Monahan said the changes aim to refresh output while keeping audiences at the heart of decisions. The overhaul touches every corner of the daily line-up, from the early morning hours to the afternoon and late afternoon, signaling a deliberate shift toward modernisation with familiar favourites still in play.
1. The biggest schedule refresh since 1998
The last major overhaul occurred in December 1998, after Gay Byrne’s departure, and the current changes redraw a long-standing rhythm. Monahan stressed that the goal is to modernise without erasing what listeners love. Key shifts include moving the traditional 9am timeslot into new arrangements and reshuffling ‘The Today Show’ to start at 9am with David McCullagh at the helm from 3 November. Oliver Callan expands to a two-hour block from 11am, while Louise Duffy moves to a 3pm–4pm slot, bringing a tighter, more dynamic afternoon program.
2. Liveline’s new host: Kieran Cuddihy
One of radio’s most iconic brands, Liveline, will welcome Kieran Cuddihy as host, succeeding Joe Duffy. Cuddihy, known for his work on Newstalk’s The Hard Shoulder, faces the pressure of steering a live, call-in program that has shaped Irish broadcasting for four decades. RTÉ argues that Cuddihy’s live-broadcast experience and recent high-profile roles position him to carry Liveline’s tradition into a new era. The change also reflects a broader generational shift as RTÉ refreshes its daytime voice while preserving the show’s diary-entry feel for many listeners.
3. Ray D’Arcy’s departure marks a generational shift
Ray D’Arcy’s exit after 11 years at RTÉ underscores a broader renewal of the schedule. D’Arcy’s career spans Den-era fame, a mid-morning show on Today FM, and a sustained return to Montrose. His departure, described by RTÉ as not part of the broadcaster’s future plans, signals a broader realignment: newer presenters step into the spotlight, carrying forward RTÉ’s legacy while injecting new energy into the schedule.
4. A new morning order: McCullagh at 9am
The rescheduled morning hour, now known as the 9am slot, features David McCullagh taking the Today Show chair. McCullagh brings political acuity and a versatile broadcasting style, a combination aimed at balancing hard news with accessible conversation. Some listeners worried about overlap with Morning Ireland, but RTÉ’s leadership emphasises a broader mix of topics, including culture and consumer issues, to complement the morning news flow.
5. A shift toward talk in the midday slot
Oliver Callan’s extended two-hour show from 11am places more emphasis on talk, interviews, and personality-driven features. The midday music oasis is evolving, with Louise Duffy moving to a 3pm slot that could reintroduce music into afternoons. Whether Callan’s team will incorporate more music or whether Duffy will shepherd playlist continuity remains a talking point, but the change signals RTÉ’s willingness to blend talk and music more fluidly.
6. Looking ahead: what the changes mean for listeners
Beyond the time-shuffles, the schedule changes reflect a strategic balancing act: honour the station’s legacy while inviting younger audiences with fresh voices. The plan also includes openings in other shows, such as the Six One News presenter role and the Behind the Story podcast, indicating that RTÉ expects to broaden its live and on-demand offerings. Media experts note that radio’s relevance persists when high-quality content meets evolving listening habits, including podcasts and streaming. The near-term question for listeners is simple: do these changes improve the listening experience in a way that keeps you engaged while still delivering what you love?
Conclusion
RTÉ’s Radio 1 overhaul is more than a timetable update; it’s a deliberate pivot toward a contemporary mix of traditional favourites and new voices. As audiences acclimate to the new rhythm, the station will rely on listener feedback and forthcoming JNLR data to gauge success. The questions at the forefront are whether the new hosts can sustain the immediacy of Liveline, whether the balance between news, culture, and entertainment works across 9am to 4pm, and how the broader RTÉ strategy translates into tangible audience growth.
