RTÉ selects Irish independent production company to produce Christian Worship on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player
RTÉ selects Irish independent production company to produce Christian Worship on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player
Following a competitive commissioning process, RTÉ has chosen Scratch Films to produce its Christian Worship Content to be broadcast on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player for the next three years. This commission is in line with the RTÉ’s New Direction strategy and will see Christian Worship content on RTÉ’s video platforms produced in the Irish independent sector.
Advances in camera technology and web-based delivery of content have made it possible to broadcast Christian Worship content from authentic congregational church settings. Earlier this year, RTÉ invited the Irish independent production sector to submit proposals based on this model and the quality and creativity of the submissions received was of a very high standard.
For over 30 years, most televised Christian Worship on RTÉ has come from the broadcaster’s Donnybrook studios, but, while this model has served our audiences well, it involves bringing small representative sample groups from parishes and schools to Dublin from all corners of the country, a significant imposition on them with an associated carbon footprint.
Scratch Films’ production model has shown that, through the use of lightweight, light-sensitive robotic cameras and web-based delivery, they will now be able to produce Christian Worship content in every one of the 32 counties, across a wide variety of denominations, communities and worship styles.
Scratch Films has a long and impressive track record across a number of genres, including Religious programmes, such as The Last Irish Missionaries and the award-winning series Life & Soul.
Head of Scratch Films, Liam McGrath, said: “It’s an honour to have the responsibility to bring audiences Christian worship broadcasts from the island of Ireland over the next three years. As we travel throughout the country, we also plan to document stories of faith that will offer viewers an insightful snapshot of lived Christian experience in contemporary Ireland.”
The Commissioning Editor of RTÉ Religion & Society, Roger Childs, said: “Although Christian Worship programmes are only one element of RTÉ’s Religious Content on TV, radio and online, this is an important commitment by RTÉ, supported by all Ireland’s major Churches. It is only made possible by technological advances, which enable us to deliver enhanced Worship content cost-effectively from every corner of Ireland. We were hugely impressed by the quality of the submissions we received. Scratch Films have demonstrated a nuanced understanding of Christian belief and practice in Ireland and have extensive experience of working with stakeholders and amateur contributors to deliver high quality, authentic content.”
RTÉ Director of Video, Steve Carson adds: “I’m delighted that a company of the calibre of Scratch Films will be taking on this important part of our core offering from next year. This innovative new production model means that we will now be serving audiences every week with worship programming based in communities right around the country.”
Scratch Films will begin producing RTÉ’s Christian Worship from Sunday 11th January, 2026.
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Date: Friday October 31st 2025
For further information:
Maureen Catterson, RTÉ Communications Manager TV, Radio and Online | maureen.catterson@rte.ie