RTE remains ‘committed’ to Limerick after 2FM schedule changes

RTE remains “committed” to Limerick and the regions despite changes to the 2FM schedule that have seen the axing of the daily drivetime show broadcast from the Limerick studio.

That is according to the broadcaster’s director general Noel Curran, who was questioned on the matter by Deputy Patrick O’Donovan at the Oireachtas transport and communications committee.

The decision to move Will Leahy’s More Music Drive slot to the weekend brings an end to over 30 years of broadcasting from Limerick by 2FM.

“RTE broadcast a very successful programme daily from Limerick and it was scrapped. As a result, 15,000 people went on Facebook to try to have it returned but they were unsuccessful,” stated Deputy O’Donovan.

“I wonder about RTE’s commitment to the regions, particularly given that show had a huge listenership and traction, yet it was scrapped. In the Limerick area, 45% of the listenership do not listen to 2FM; it is only 11%. However, that programme broadcast in the regions was ended,” added the Fine Gael TD for County Limerick.

Mr Curran responded that “in terms of 2FM and Limerick, we are absolutely committed to the regions”.

“At a forum like this, I do not want to start talking in detail about individuals. As regards the changes that were made in 2FM around Limerick, the person has not left 2FM. They have moved to a different part of the schedule, which is worth noting.”

Mr Curran also said that RTE remained committed to the regions in general, noting that while its London office had been closed, it had retained regional offices and regional correspondents in Limerick and elsewhere.