Brian James O'Donovan RTÉ US correspondent

beerguts · 20-01-2021 10:39pm #1

I don't watch RTÉ news often but I tuned in to see Bidens inauguration and I have to say I wasn't very impressed with Brian James O'Donovan. The man has a smugness in his mannerisms that really ground my gears.
Surely RTÉ could pull him aside and ask him to adopt a more neutral demeanour. The few Irish presenters on France 24 would wipe. The floor with him in regards professionalism.

Doodah7 · 20-01-2021 11:30pm

You obviously don’t watch RTE very often. He has been in Washington for four years and is likely due home shortly.

He is very good. Clear, accurate reports delivered professionally. No need for anything else.

Harry Palmr · 20-01-2021 11:33pm

He has the oddest emphasis and cadence. I know all tv reporters bend voices and gesticulate like mad for emphasis but he is unique.

cee_jay · 20-01-2021 11:38pm

Harry Palmr wrote: »

He has the oddest emphasis and cadence. I know all tv reporters bend voices and gesticulate like mad for emphasis but he is unique.

I really enjoy this about him, brings his reports to life. I think he has been a great correspondent.

elperello · 20-01-2021 11:38pm

Harry Palmr wrote: »

He has the oddest emphasis and cadence. I know all tv reporters bend voices and gesticulate like mad for emphasis but he is unique.

The content and the research behind it seem to be up to scratch.

While I agree that his presenting style is unique it doesn't bother me.

bilbot79 · 20-01-2021 11:39pm

Do not diss Brian O'Donovan!!!

beerguts · 20-01-2021 11:41pm

I prefer a more neutral delivery and I found his off putting. As I said I haven't watched RTE with any regularity but if I was to compare him to Mark Little from years ago he would not be near that level of delivery

Andrew00 · 21-01-2021 12:03am

He tries to act like a CNN or Fox news reporter. It's all too forced and unnatural

Arghus · 21-01-2021 12:49am

He's alright I guess, but there's definitely a theatrical style to his delivery. I think someone less hammy in his style would be better suited to the role.

Wouldn't be too surprised if he went to stage school in the past.

An Claidheamh · 21-01-2021 12:54am

His smugness and declensions are reminiscent of the BBC or Sky and are somewhat unnatural.

I find it quite off putting.

Otherwise, he seems to meet his brief

California Dreamer · 21-01-2021 8:44am

He's no Donie!!!!

thesultan · 21-01-2021 11:45am

Have no issue at all with him. I think he's very good.

rightmove · 21-01-2021 12:06pm

charlie bird would wipe the.... oh no he wouldnt sorry!

carole coleman would ....oh christ no!!!!

Hyperbollix · 21-01-2021 6:55pm

I'm convinced there's a course these lads do in RTE before they get these gigs. Him, Kieran Milloooooooley, Pascal Sheeting etc. You have to be able to deliver the information in the weirdest, most oddball way possible. If you can, you're correspondent material!

bobbyss · 21-01-2021 9:44pm

beerguts wrote:

I prefer a more neutral delivery and I found his off putting. As I said I haven't watched RTE with any regularity but if I was to compare him to Mark Little from years ago he would not be near that level of delivery

I think he's bery good. One of the few Irish journalists who would make it on the BBC. Can you imagine Eileen Dunne working for BBC as American correspondent? Or Kieran Mooooo being a BBC correspondent?

walshb · 21-01-2021 9:46pm

I find his delivery pretty good, but he overdoes it some times, as if he’s playing up..

[Deleted User] · 22-01-2021 11:18am

Well it has brought us this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBmbksmYbnA

PhilOssophy · 22-01-2021 11:29am

I think Brian O'Donavan is excellent, his reporting style is sort of in tune with what the last 3-4 years were in the US.
I hate a dead-pan news reporter, I like somebody who has a bit of character about them.

Beechwoodspark · 22-01-2021 11:30am

Harry Palmr wrote: »

He has the oddest emphasis and cadence. I know all tv reporters bend voices and gesticulate like mad for emphasis but he is unique.

This. His bizarre mannerisms alone make me uncomfortable watching his little “performances”

NIMAN · 22-01-2021 9:16pm

To be fair to him, he wasn't as dramatic in his early years. I think he has started to put it on a bit of late.
I am sure if we were to go and watch his reports when he started, they would appear very different.

But as for the info itself, I do find him very good. The one thing I noticed about him is his eloquence.
You rarely hear him "um" or "ah" to fill space.

TheUnderfaker · 01-04-2021 9:30pm

Brian O'Donovan ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ rte NEWSSZZZZZZZSSSSS

Pussyhands · 02-04-2021 12:31pm

I do find him over the top but I do like him as a reporter.

He'll be someone in future that reminds you of a certain timeframe because he's so memorable.

Anyone notice when he's being introduced by the newsreader he's always there nodding his head in agreement and tightening his lips in agreement? ALWAYS An example would be this clip..https://youtu.be/Rx2mru0T8ow?t=69

Harry Palmr · 02-04-2021 12:35pm

I think he has toned things down a bit, maybe it's Trump leaving office that did it - he is now in tune with the Joe Biden era!

PhilOssophy · 02-04-2021 5:43pm

I think his funniest moment was when talking about Ireland getting a place on the UN security Council. He said the Irish brought Bono and a Riverdance demonstration, whereas the Canadians had Celine Dion.
Regardless of what I think of the above, the way he delivered it was hilarious

Brian James O'Donovan RTÉ US correspondent

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