RTÉ to Commission All Christian Worship Content from the Independent Sector
In line with the published New Direction strategy, RTÉ has launched a commissioning process that will see all Christian Worship content on RTÉ’s video platforms produced in the Irish independent sector.
RTÉ’s Managing Editor, Video and Director of Content, Seán Mac Giolla Phádraig says: “Advances in technology mean that it is now possible to broadcast Masses and Services cost-effectively from a variety of churches nationwide, enabling RTÉ to shift production of this important content from the current Donnybrook studio base into authentic congregational worship settings across the 32 counties of Ireland, without any diminution in technical or editorial quality.”
This move is in line with three key elements of RTÉ’s New Direction Strategy:
- Increased regional representation
- Increased commissioning from the independent sector
- Harnessing new technology to deliver high quality content cost-effectively
Following a fair and rigorous tendering process, it is anticipated that all Christian Worship content on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player will be produced independently from the start of 2026, delivered in partnership with Ireland’s major denominations from a number of designated “hub” churches, using semi-permanent lighting, camera and sound rigs and web-based delivery systems, based on production models already successfully pioneered by other European broadcasters.
Roger Childs, RTÉ’s Commissioning Editor of Religious Content, said: “RTÉ remains fully committed to broadcasting a broad range of Christian worship content, reflecting the diversity of denominations and styles of worship across the 32 counties of Ireland in the long term. Masses, Services or other forms of Christian worship will continue to be broadcast every Sunday and on key Christian holidays: St Patrick’s Day, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. RTÉ will also continue to work in partnership with other European broadcasters, sharing top quality Masses and Services from across the Continent in a free exchange programme that has, in recent months, seen the station broadcast spectacular events such as the Re-inauguration Mass in the newly restored Cathèdrale de Notre Dame de Paris, in December 2024, and the coverage of the Funeral Mass of Pope Francis, in April 2025.
“Studio-based production of Worship Content has served RTÉ audiences well for many years, with expert in-house teams working with amateur groups from all corners of Ireland to deliver diverse and high quality Masses and Services to viewers and listeners, including many who are physically unable to attend church. However, the current production model requires groups to travel often long distances to Montrose and the studio’s limited capacity only allows for a small representative presence from each featured parish or school group. In contrast, broadcasting from “hub” churches in each region will enable RTÉ to feature authentic congregational worship in those areas.”
Working with the Commissioning Editor of Religious Content, the successful company will be responsible for maintaining high editorial standards and ensuring that RTÉ consistently broadcasts top-quality programming, whatever the featured denomination or group. Diversity, equality and inclusion remain key elements in RTÉ’s Worship programmes, as do sustainable production methods. The final commissioning decision will be based on a rigorous technical and editorial assessment and proven cost-effectiveness of the chosen proposal.
RTÉ’s televised Christian worship is just one element of a broad slate of content reflecting the beliefs, behaviour and values of people of many faiths and none in today’s Ireland, on TV, Radio and Online.
ENDS
For information:
Neil O’Gorman | Corporate Communications Manager | E: neil.ogorman@rte.ie