RTÉ announces comprehensive 2024 General Election coverage across TV, Radio, and Online to keep Ireland informed
– Definitive TV Leaders’ Debates to help voters decide
– Three brand-new podcast series delivering key campaign insights
– Broadcasting from over 22 constituencies nationwide with insight from the full 43 constituencies
RTÉ is set to deliver comprehensive coverage of the 2024 General Election, bringing the latest updates and in-depth analysis to television, radio, and online platforms. With a dedicated and highly knowledgeable team of journalists and broadcasters, RTÉ will provide audiences with up-to-the-minute reporting, sharp analysis and insights to keep the public informed at every stage of the campaign. From special election broadcasts and live debates to interactive online resources, RTÉ’s multi-platform approach will ensure that viewers and listeners across Ireland can engage with all the 2024 General Election coverage that matters to voters.
RTÉ’s television and streaming coverage for General Election 2024 will feature definitive leaders’ debates, offering voters unparalleled insights and direct engagement with party leaders as they face questions on their visions and policies for the nation’s future, across RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
RTÉ will host two major television leaders’ debates during the campaign, which will be available to stream worldwide. Upfront with Katie Hannon will hold the largest ever leaders’ debate, with 10 political party leaders invited to debate live in studio on Monday 18th November, as Katie asks the questions the voters want answered. On Tuesday 26th November, three days ahead of the country going to the polls, Prime Time will feature the final debate of the campaign. The leaders of the largest three parties have been invited to participate, with broadcasters Miriam O’Callaghan and Sarah McInerney asking the important questions.
From the get-go the RTÉ News app and RTE.ie will serve as the go-to hub for General Election 2024 voter-focused coverage in English and as Gaeilge, featuring brand new interactive constituency guides, breakdowns of party priorities, and issue-specific deep dives.
In a world of disinformation, RTÉ’s channels on TikTok, Instagram, You Tube, Facebook and X will provide voter-led coverage and a focus on amplifying young people’s voices and their views on key issues.
From the hustle and bustle of the campaign trail to the drama of debate nights, the RTÉ News App and social media channels will provide clarity on the issues in addition to bringing the public the latest breaking news, expert analysis and important local stories, framed in the big picture of the electoral landscape. With live updates via RTÉ’s Campaign Daily blog, handy election guides, and a poll tracker, RTÉ’s online coverage will help provide voters with clear, accurate information to navigate the fast-paced election landscape.
RTÉ is set to bring comprehensive and dynamic coverage of the General Election 2024 across its radio and audio platforms and has launched three brand-new podcast series on all things General Election, exploring issues, challenges, and voter perspectives from every corner of Ireland.
In Know Your Constituency, RTÉ Radio 1’s podcast series, Barry Lenihan explores the dynamics of Ireland’s 43 constituencies, with insights into boundary changes, political strategies, and local rivalries, featuring expert analysis and contributions from RTÉ’s top presenters and political commentators.
In Behind the Ballot, RTÉ’s David McCullagh, Katie Hannon and Fran McNulty go behind the scenes of General Election 2024 as they guide listeners through the campaign and what’s really going on with three podcasts each week and a bonus episode every weekend.
And for the first time, the RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta team will host a dedicated Irish language election podcast titled An Pod Polaitiúil, as presenter Máirín Ní Ghadhra is joined by various political commentators each week.
RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland and Today with Claire Byrne will provide daily in-depth campaign coverage each morning and a series of in-depth leaders’ interviews as polling day approaches. The Morning Ireland team will be travelling around the country, speaking to people in constituencies across urban and rural areas asking what are the issues that matter. News at One with Rachael English will bring listeners the latest breaking campaign news every day, including what’s happening in their constituencies and nationally.
Drivetime with Sarah McInerney and Cormac Ó hEadhra will go on the road to profile constituencies nationwide, while The Late Debate and Saturday with Colm Ó Mongáin will tackle the election’s key issues, including programmes from around the country. On Sundays, This Week will examine topics, dissecting the manifesto promises with panels of political parties and independent politicians in two live studio debates over the weekends of the campaign.
Adding a satirical edge, Callan’s Kicks will continue to deliver weekly political humour on Fridays.
On 2fm there will be updates from the campaign trail on the issues affecting younger voters, with in-studio reports on The Laura Fox Show.
RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta will provide comprehensive pre-election coverage with election commentary and constituency profiles across its key current affairs programmes, including Adhmhaidin, Nuacht a hAon, Tús Áite, and An tSeachtain. Additional party debates in Gaeltacht regions will air on magazine programmes Iris Aniar, Barrscéalta, and An Saol ó Dheas.
RTÉ’s television and streaming coverage for General Election 2024 will feature definitive leaders’ debates, offering voters unparalleled insights and direct engagement with party leaders as they present their visions and policies for the nation’s future across RTÉ and RTÉ Player.
Upfront with Katie Hannon will also host a number of special election programmes, including dedicated housing and immigration focused episodes featuring Katie and a live studio audience, each designed to facilitate audience-led questions and in-depth discussions on these key election issues. Prime Time will be out and about around the country in Limerick, Kilkenny and Carrick-on-Suir finding out from voters about the issues that are key for them and putting them to sitting and would be TD’s.
RTÉ News’ daily bulletins, One O’Clock News, Nuacht, Six One News and Nine O’Clock News will deliver comprehensive daily coverage of the General Election in English and as Gaelige, from manifesto launches to on-the-ground campaign updates from RTÉ’s team of reporters and correspondents, featuring insightful analysis and political interviews.
The Leaders Interviews on Six One will see David McCullagh conduct in-depth one-on-one live interviews with the leaders of 10 parties campaigning in the election. Sharon Tobin will co-present the flagship news programme from key locations nationwide, capturing voter sentiments and key issues like housing, health, and the cost of living.
For children, news2day will provide election coverage tailored for young audiences, including daily election facts, an interview series with party leaders featuring questions from young viewers, and another of their hugely popular video guides to understanding the PR voting system.
There will be a double helping of The Week in Politics presented by Áine Lawlor, with extra Wednesday night episodes in the lead-up to the General Election airing in addition to Sunday broadcasts. The programmes will debate the issues with established and new candidates and will include a special edition from Galway focusing on rural issues.
Through extensive reporting accross TV, radio, and online, RTÉ will keep audiences informed on the latest developments and key issues of General Election 2024, helping the public to make informed choices on polling day.
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Date: 09 November 2024
Note to Editor: Full details regarding RTÉ’s comprehensive election results coverage will be announced in advance of polling day.
RTÉ Communications: Laura Fitzgerald and Sharon Sorohan