RTE v Newstalk who had the best election?

mike65

I reckon Newstalk and for one reason, they used thier line-up of 'characters' to best effect. RTE radio meanwhile was bogged down in "geeks and wonks" who live and breath politics and who kinda forgot most of the public have at best a passing interest.

Mike.

flogen

I only listened to Newstalk a bit, but any I heard of it was lacklustre compared to RTÉ's.

I'm not sure why, but I felt RTÉ were faster and more detailed with the information, while Newstalk were talking too much - that's fair enough when there's little happening on the ground, but one of the bits I listened to was during the flurry of first counts from around the country, where RTÉ were willing to cut off high profile interviewees (including Pat Rabbitte) to get the info in.

From the point of view of a political junkie like myself I prefered that - I can see why others wouldn't though.

dudara

I listened to both while driving down the country yesterday, and I would say that I preferred RTE. Better technical coverage and more fluid experienced presenters.

I find that George Hook just blusters his way through things.

is_that_so

Sean O'Rourke and Rachel English, with Aine Lawlor as backup v George Hook? No contest. RTE radio coverage was excellent IMO but no less than I expected.

copacetic

i wouldn't have said this was even close. RTÉ were miles ahead imo..

ateam

Listened to Newstalk for quite a bit and had to turn off because of George Hook. He completed dominated the show, giving the answer in any question he asked and throwing his opinion in, all in one large statement. He doesn't allow the guests to talk and sadly, Claire Byrne was overshadowed. When she got to speak, she was pretty good.

Sean O'Rourke was excellent, but like Hook, he tended to talk over his female co-presenter, Rachel English. Above all though, RTE were superior. But they have been doing elections for decades, this was Newstalk's second and first as a national broadcaster.