Special stamp celebrates 100 Years of Broadcasting in Ireland
The first stamp of An Post’s 2026 Stamp Programme, marking 100 Years of Broadcasting, was unveiled at the GPO by Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport at the GPO today.
This stamp celebrates a historic milestone in Irish cultural life and the triumphant evolution of broadcasting over the last century in Ireland. The first radio broadcasting station in the Irish Free State, 2RN, went on air on New Year’s Day 1926. Television followed on New Year’s Eve 1961 when Teilifís Éireann (later called RTÉ Television) began broadcasting.
The stamp features a striking ‘antenna’ surrounded by transmission signals radiating across the nation, by Dublin design agency Red&Grey. A limited-edition first day cover envelope is also available from anpost.com/shop with free delivery and at selected post offices from 15th January.
From its inception to its current role as the national public service media, RTÉ has remained at the heart of the story of broadcasting in Ireland. Today, RTÉ’s video, audio, and digital services, alongside the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, inform, engage and entertain a diverse global Irish community. This centenary milestone is the story of the evolution of a nation as much as it is the story of public broadcasting on our island.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, said: “When 2rn began broadcasting, this nation was only in its infancy in the first years of independence, and with limited resources, the State prioritised finding and sharing a new voice for the nation. This established, here in Ireland, a medium which to this day remains one of the most accessible and engaging forms of communication and self-expression – which is as popular today as ever with the majority of people here in Ireland still listening to radio on a daily basis. Through this medium, 2rn and RTÉ – as well as the many commercial, local and community radio services – have played an intrinsic role in the formation and sustaining of modern Irish identity, culture and even our character.
‘The 100 years of Broadcasting’ postage stamp marks the centenary of one of the most important steps in the building of a new, independent and confident nation that actively wanted to share a voice that was original and uniquely our own.”
Commenting, RTÉ Director-General, Kevin Bakhurst said: “The recognition by An Post of 100 years of public broadcasting in Ireland and the special role public media continues to play in Ireland is so important, particularly at a time when we face much uncertainty and many challenges in the world. Our organisations have a significant shared history with the first public radio broadcast by the fledgling new Irish state’s on New Year’s Day 1926 being overseen by the Department of Posts and Telegraphs, so the launch of a commemorative stamp by An Post is a great companion to our special RTÉ radio broadcasts from the GPO tomorrow and our programme of broadcasts and events throughout this milestone year.”
RTÉ’s Director of Audio, Patricia Monahan said: It is great to see 100 years of public broadcasting in Ireland being celebrated though a commemorative stamp by An Post as we officially launch this centenary year with a range of special broadcasts across RTÉ Radio 1, 2FM, lyric fm and Raidió na Gaeltachta live from the GPO tomorrow. While our programme of broadcasts and events this year is celebratory, it is equally considered, prompting reflection and discussion on why public service media matters and why it is worth fighting for.”
David McRedmond, CEO of An Post remarked: “An Post and RTE have a shared provenance in the foundation of the State, and a home in the GPO. We congratulate our sister company on 100 years of great public service.“
On Thursday 15th January, RTÉ will broadcast live from the General Post Office to mark this important anniversary. Originally located in Little Denmark Street, 2RN moved into the GPO in 1928 and operated from there until 1976. The broadcast will feature RTÉ 2FM Breakfast with Carl, Roz & Aisling, Radio 1’s Today with David McCullagh, lyric fm’s The Full Score, Raidió na Gaeltachta’s Tús Áite and Radio 1’s Arena.