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The Journal
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Journal
End of an era as Joe Duffy to close out 37-year radio career with final Liveline show today
RADIO VETERAN JOE Duffy will present his final Liveline episode today, bringing an end to a 37-year career in radio broadcasting at RTÉ. The Ballyfermot native announced his departure in May after almost three decades of presenting the hit show, which, according to official figures for 2025, is regularly listened to by 305,000 people. The iconic voice in Irish radio has been described by show producer Brenda Donohue as a 'once-in-a-lifetime' broadcaster. Advertisement RTÉ RTÉ Hailing from a working class background, Duffy became one of the first from his locality to attend Trinity College, where he studied social work, and was actively involved in student politics before serving as President of the Union of Students in Ireland. During his announcement in May, Duffy thanked Liveline listeners for the 'honour' of presenting for them every day. 'People felt they could pick up the phone, ring Liveline, and share their lives, problems, stories, sad, bad, sometimes mad and funny, their struggles, and their victories,' Duffy said. 'I never took that for granted, not for a single minute. RTÉ has been a great place to work. Public service has always been at its heart. And now, after many happy years, I've decided the time has come to move on. 'I would like to thank you the listener for tuning in each and every day, it has been an honour to sit in this seat and hear your stories,' he added. Duffy's last hurrah will air in the usual 1:45pm spot today on RTÉ Radio 1. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
RTÉ cancels current affairs show Upfront with Katie Hannon due to budget constraints
RTÉ HAS CONFIRMED that Upfront with Katie Hannon has ended and will not be returning in September after three seasons on air. The Monday night programme, one of RTÉ's flagship current affairs shows, first aired in January 2023. Hosted by Katie Hannon, the show featured a live panel and in-studio audience discussion on a different topic each week. An RTÉ spokesperson said that the decision to wrap production has been made 'due to the prioritising of people and financial resources', as the organisation incurs significant change and becomes smaller. In a statement, RTÉ said that new strategic priorities highlight the need to 'serve audiences beyond traditional linear TV schedules and meet the needs of younger, underserved and underrepresented audiences'. Hannon will continue to work on RTÉ's Behind the Story podcast, which is planned to launch daily later this year. She will also present a new television series in the lead up to the presidential election in October. In a statement to RTÉ, Hannon said she was 'proud of what we achieved on Upfront'. Advertisement 'We managed to buck the international trend and actually grew our audience on linear television and our digital footprint,' she said. The show boasted a significant evening audience – in its most recent series, which aired from 24 September to 25 May, Upfront was watched by an average of 198,000 viewers, a 25.8% audience share, up from an average of 168,000 and 23.7% in series two. Similarly, the series grew on the RTÉ Player, attracting 269,000 streams in series three, from 209,000 in series two. The show also hosted a number of debates ahead of the general election last year. The Upfront Leaders Debate in November 2024 attracted an average audience of 474,000 viewers. RTÉ RTÉ 'It was a privilege to work with our small team of talented and hardworking colleagues led by our editor Janet Traynor,' Hannon said. 'I also want to thank all of those who came into our studio and trusted us with their stories and contributed to the national conversation on the issues that matter to all of us. 'I'm disappointed that we won't be able to keep that conversation going.' The surprise announcement has paved the way for Hannon to possibly take the coveted Liveline gig – as Joe Duffy is set to hang up the headphones after his final show this Friday. Hannon has emerged as one of the front runners to replace Duffy, and has previously hosted the show in his absence. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Ex-Taoiseach Leo Varadkar joins singer Lyra on RTÉ's new adventure show tonight
Vardkar, Lyra and Goggins will sleep in caves and scale gigantic peaks in tonight's episode. RTÉ RTÉ THE FORMER TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar is among a group of musicians, sports stars and celebrities testing their abilities on a new RTÉ programme airing tonight. Former special forces soldier Ray Goggins will be sending Belfast rap trio Kneecap to the Arcitc and ex-Fine Gael leader Varadkar to South Africa to test their extreme outdoor expedition skills. The new adventure programme, Uncharted with Ray Goggins, was announced earlier this month and airs at 9.35pm this evening on RTÉ One television. Advertisement Varadkar tonight will team up with Irish singer Lyra to travel through the wild, untamed mountains of Drakensburg, South Africa. Alongside Goggins, they will sleep in caves and scale gigantic peaks. RTÉ - IRELAND'S NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE MEDIA / YouTube Kneecap will join Goggins in the Arctic in a future episode. Paralympic gold medallist Ellen Keane and six-time All-Ireland Camogie star Ashling Thompson will travel to Bolivia to the start of the fabled 'Death Road' on a seven-day challenge for the series. Galway hurler Joe Canning and track and field star Thomas Barr will also join Goggins in Colombia, where they will navigate five deadly river rapids, coming face-to-face with deadly snakes and venomous spiders. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
