RTÉ Documentaries & Series

RTÉ DOCUMENTARIES & FEATURES

Right Here, Right Now

We are seeking bold, contemporary documentary ideas and series that capture Ireland as it is today. Our focus is on vivid, relevant and impactful storytelling rooted in real life – the stories unfolding on our streets, in our communities and across the country right now.

We want programmes that matter to audiences, reflect the issues Irish people care about, that look and feel modern, emotionally real and socially relevant. These projects should aim to reach large audiences, perform strongly across platforms, and spark national conversation.

We are drawn to complex subjects explored with depth and humanity; stories that ask questions, challenge assumptions and create space for discussion. We are looking for programmes with heart and hope: films and series that can inspire, inform and connect, making audiences laugh, cry, pause and think.

Our priority is present-day Ireland, though we are open to stories from the past where they continue to shape life today. We are particularly keen on younger-skewing ideas that reflect Ireland as the multicultural society it is now, including both the tensions and the opportunities that come with that reality.

AUDIENCE FIRST

Audience is central to every commissioning decision. All proposals must clearly answer:

Who is this programme for? Why should they care?  Why now?

Producers are expected to demonstrate a strong understanding of their intended audience and how the programme will connect with them.  Ideas that already show evidence of audience interest, cultural relevance or social traction are strongly encouraged.

PLATFORM PERFORMANCE

Strong performance on linear and Player is essential. At commissioning stage, we will assess the potential for Player engagement alongside broadcast impact. Proposals should demonstrate awareness of how audiences discover, watch and share content across platforms It is also vital to deliver content to rte.ie to extend the life, reach, and public value of RTE commissions.

We will have targeted callouts throughout the year but always want to hear a great idea. You can submit  proposals into the eCommissioning system Login | RTE (rtegroup.ie) under the programme category Documentaries and Features/General 2026.

 

 

Published: 12th February 2026

Coimisiún na Meán Sound & Vision Round 60 – Shared Island Shared Stories

Information

RTÉ is now seeking proposals for Coimisiún na Meán Sound & Vision – Round 60 – Shared Island Shared Stories, to support the production of culturally valuable broadcast content, including content in the Irish language.

Closing date for submissions to be considered for RTÉ support in Coimisiún na Meán Sound & Vision – Round 60 is Friday 15 May 2026 at 12.00 noon (strict deadline).

Full Brief

All submissions must include the full production budget, proposed RTÉ funding and other third party funding in RTÉ’s eCommissioning system.

Please note only proposals submitted through RTÉ’s eCommissioning system will be considered.

We ask, in the first instance, that producers submit ideas into the eCommissioning system: Login | RTE under the programme category “Programme Genre - CnaM Round 60 Share Island”, before the above closing date and time.

CnaM Sound & Vision Rd 60 – dates for RTÉ supported programmes

RTÉ call-out opens:                                       Friday 10 April 2026

RTÉ call-out closes:                                      Friday 15 May 2026, 12 noon (strict deadline)

RTÉ decision on successful applicants:       Friday 05 June 2026

CnaM Rd 60 closes:                                     Thursday 02 July 2026, 12 noon

The RTÉ timelines are designed to give supported applicants ample time to prepare and submit detailed applications to Coimisiún na Meán. For more information, please visit www.cnam.ie.

The new ‘Shared Island Shared Stories’ funding round will fund programming that supports a shared future, promotes cultural exchange and celebrates the diverse heritage of the island. For more information please use the following link Shared Home Place.

Please ensure you are fully registered on the eCommissioning System well before the closing date, as registrations can take up to 48 hours to process. Late submissions due to late registration will not be accepted.

Single Documentaries

Information

Programme:                    One off single documentary

Duration:                           50 minutes

Episodes:                          1 episode

Budget Range:                €90,000 - €140,000

(In exceptional circumstances if a higher cost per hour is necessary, producers must provide additional information and details explaining the reasons for the increased cost.)

Deadline:                          Commissioning On A Rolling Basis

Full Brief

RTÉ seeks bold, contemporary single documentaries capturing real life in Ireland today, focused on emotionally authentic, socially relevant storytelling.

It should explore a complex subject with depth, humanity, and hope, resonating strongly with younger and diverse audiences.

The film must clearly define its audience and deliver strong impact across broadcast, RTÉ Player, and rte.ie.

What do we want?

Feel urgent, relevant and of the moment

Have something important to say

Mix lighter, popular subjects with serious, socially relevant themes

How to Submit
Producers are asked to submit their ideas through the video section of RTÉ’s eCommissioning system: Login | RTE (rtegroup.ie) under the programme category Documentaries and Features, Single Documentary.

 

 

 

Published 12th February 2026

Personality-Led Issue Documentaries

Information

Programme:       Personality-led issue documentaries can deliver strong audience engagement and real impact when done well

Duration:                           50 minutes

Episodes:                          1 - 2 episodes

Budget Range:                €90,000 - €140,000

(In exceptional circumstances if a higher cost per hour is necessary, producers must provide additional information and details explaining the reasons for the increased cost)

Deadline:                          Commissioning On A Rolling Basis

Full Brief

Personality‑led documentaries should use a compelling, relatable figure to explore real issues shaping life in Ireland today. Stories must feel bold, contemporary and emotionally authentic, rooted in lived experience and socially relevant themes. Films should tackle complex subjects with depth and humanity, sparking discussion and resonating strongly with audiences. Proposals must clearly define the target audience, why the issue matters now, and demonstrate cultural relevance or public interest. Strong potential for impact across broadcast, RTÉ Player and rte.ie is essential, with clear plans for cross‑platform engagement.

What do we want?

We are looking for projects where the on-screen contributor has a genuine, emotional connection to the issue. These films should combine personal narrative with advocacy, and must feel authentic, purposeful and earned.

How to Submit
Producers are asked to submit their ideas through the video section of RTÉ’s eCommissioning system: Login | RTE (rtegroup.ie) under the programme category Documentaries and Series, Personality Issue Documentaries.

 

 

 

 

Published 12th February 2026