[Dudess]

I s'pose. I'd kinda stopped thinking of them along those lines though after they gave the green light to O'Brien to buy the Emap stations. I thought that was a wind-up when it was announced.

[ivan087]

Originally Posted by spiderbeast

But surely the presenters you mentioned above would be used for a talk format as all their shows are purely talk based?

ok, let me flesh out my 'grand vision'!

tubridy, mooney are talk-based shows (with some music), but they're 'entertainment' shows. why not shift them over to a station that plays MOR music and entertainment - quizes, celebs, competitions, etc. these shows could be extended by an hour or two by using more music.

Meanwhile over at RTE R1 they could concentrate on news, current affairs, documentaries and REAL public service content.

I know RTE could never reach the status of BBC. But to be fair RTE does current affairs fairly well.

I just think RTE R1 is all over the place and needs to find it's niche, especially in radio land these days.

[DMC]

Originally Posted by Dudess

Why not? These two stations are under the same company now, they're not in competition any more.

Today FM will have to still do 20% news and current affairs requirement of the BCI. 2.5 hours of The Last Word neatly fills that up.

While I agree that if the talk stuff of Today FM went to Newstalk, it would turn Newstalk into a better station, it would only ruin Today FM.

Today FM as a licencee did have a lot things to square up with the BCI when they were Radio Ireland. Now that might be ten years ago now, but for Today FM to go back to the BCI to rejig the licence to make ends meet might not wash again.

Back to the original topic as to RTÉ Radio One being a wholly talk station, there is the issue that where does the music go? Its only one show in the daytime now, but there is a market for that music.

Weather or not the new multi-city licences for the 45+ age group would cater for that is another thing.

There is no more space on the FM band for another RTÉ service. It might be a driver by RTÉ to get people to try DAB.

[Dudess]

Originally Posted by DMC

While I agree that if the talk stuff of Today FM went to Newstalk, it would turn Newstalk into a better station, it would only ruin Today FM.

I agree. What I love about Today FM (apart from the afternoon "jock" shows but meh, they need to pay their staff) is the way it gets the balance right and ticks all boxes - I think it stands well apart from its competitors. However, I think O'Brien's purchase of it means things will have to change - it's a shame, and one of the main reasons why I was disappointed O'Brien got it, but that's business.