Chat show broadens RTÉ's horizons

It is billed as “a lively mix of topical chat, fun and lifestyle items”, but RTÉ’s new daytime show Today has taken on a deeper significance for public representatives and business people in Cork eager to get their voices heard and products on screen.

The new show, which broadcast its first edition from RTÉ’s Cork studios yesterday, is “very important” for both the people of Cork and the national broadcaster, according to the city’s lord mayor, John Buttimer.

Perspectives

“I think it’s important that RTÉ get out of the echo chamber of Dublin and hear other voices, other perspectives.”

With RTÉ making cutbacks of €25 million this year, there had been fears that regional output would be cut, but the Today show – hosted by Dáithí Ó Sé and Maura Derrane from Monday to Thursdays, with Norah Casey and Bláithnaid Ní Chofaigh stepping in on Fridays – “strengthens the existence of the Cork studio”, Mr Buttimer said.

Some 15 people are employed on the programme, which is broadcast for an hour from 4.30pm. It has been welcomed by public relations consultants in Cork.

“I just hope that it doesn’t become seen as a Cork show,” said Greg Canty from Cork-based PR company Fuzion. “The show needs to be credible nationally.”

Yesterday’s Today also marked the debut of RTÉ’s new studio in Athlone, at the Athlone Institute of Technology.

Renate Murphy of Cameo Communications, whose client Kearys garage is sponsoring a car competition on this week’s shows, hailed RTÉ’s “embrace” of a regional strategy. “The regional correspondents do feed into the national media, but this gives it a bit of an edge.”