RTÉ reveals its autumn schedule, with photography inspired by Covid-19

The promotional imagery for this year’s autumn schedule was shot by Ruth Medjber, inspired by her window portrait series during Covid-19

RTÉ has unveiled their autumn schedule for TV, radio and online, with some significant changes to presenters and shows on each platform.

In one hotly anticipated announcement, presenter Sarah McInerney will move to Drivetime on RTÉ Radio One, co-hosting with Cormac Ó hEadhra. McInerney won praise from listeners across Ireland over the summer when she sat in for Sean O’Rourke’s mid-morning slot when he retired earlier this year. Journalist Claire Byrne took over the show this week as full-time host.

Áine Lawlor and Mary Wilson are moving to the Morning Ireland team on RTÉ Radio One, while Prime Time reporter Katie Hannon will present a Saturday current affairs programme. Hannon’s slot had reportedly been previously earmarked for Sean O’Rourke, who was dropped from upcoming projects with RTÉ following his attendance at the controversial Oireachtas Golf Society dinner last week.

TV

On the TV side, The Late Late Show will make its return to Friday nights this season, but the show may look a little different — presenter Ryan Tubridy said that he doesn’t anticipate having an audience in-studio “this side of January” and “that when the people at home can gather, then we will gather too”.

Joe Duffy will take the reins of The Meaning of Life, carrying the late Gay Byrne’s torch on the introspective show.

Prime Time and Claire Byrne Live will return in the autumn season, providing current affairs updates and conversation.

There will also be a number of documentaries landing on our screens this year, including a profile on the late broadcasting legend Marian Finucane. Others include Home: A Year in Ireland’s Housing Crisis and Sins of Ireland in which acclaimed documentary maker Alex Fegan (Older Than Ireland) meets Irish priests.

Chatting through the window

The promotional photography for RTÉ’s new schedule was shot by Ruth Medjber, in the same style as her much-loved window portrait series, which she has been curating since the beginning of Covid-19. On Instagram, Medjber spoke of having “full creative control” over the photography sessions, where she visited 17 RTÉ presenters and stars at their homes and shot them in their front windows.

“Chatting through the window with these folk was utterly hilarious. They were so lovely and understanding of my weird shooting techniques,” said Medjber. “All during the fading moments of twilight, playing chicken with the sunset, trying to capture the perfect glimmer between blue and yellow.”

Speaking about the new season line-up, Dee Forbes, RTÉ Director-General, said: “Despite a very changed world with all of its new challenges, I am pleased to share this compelling, diverse and exciting season of programming, for television, radio and online.

“As well as independent news, current affairs and investigations, RTÉ continues to support Irish artists, communities and performers. We look forward to audiences spending some quality time at home with RTÉ this autumn.”