RTÉ Announces Major On-Air lineup Changes: meskill to Anchor Six One, mcinerney & McCarthy join Morning Ireland
December 5, 2023 – RTÉ, Ireland’s national broadcaster, has unveiled a significant reshuffling of its on-air talent, signaling a new chapter for some of its flagship news and current affairs programs. These changes follow a period of transition within the institution, including recent departures across both radio and television. Let’s break down the key updates and what they mean for you, the viewer and listener.
Six one News Welcomes Tommy Meskill
The most prominent change sees Tommy Meskill stepping into the role of co-presenter for Six One News,Ireland’s leading evening news bulletin. He’ll be joining Sharon Tobin, taking over from David McCullagh.
Meskill, currently RTÉ’s London Correspondent, expressed his honor at the appointment. He emphasized the programme’s vital role in shaping the Irish news landscape and the collaborative effort of the entire newsroom. You can expect to see him anchoring the program later this month.
Morning Ireland Gains Experienced Voices
Morning Ireland, the nation’s most listened-to radio program, is also receiving a boost with the addition of Sarah McInerney and Justin McCarthy. this follows the recent departures of Mary Wilson and Áine Lawlor.
* Sarah McInerney: A familiar face from Prime Time and formerly Drivetime,McInerney brings a wealth of experience to the early morning slot. She recognizes the program’s influence,stating it “sets the agenda for the day” and reaches a vast audience across ireland.
* Justin McCarthy: McCarthy transitions to a permanent presenter role on Morning Ireland after serving as a reporter as 2013 and previously presenting This Week. He’s committed to upholding the program’s reputation for insightful and fair journalism.
These additions promise a dynamic and informed start to your day.
Paul cunningham Takes the Helm at This Week
Rounding out the major changes, Paul Cunningham will be the new presenter of This Week, RTÉ’s Sunday news analysis program.
Cunningham is a seasoned journalist with seven years as RTÉ’s Political Correspondent, and prior experience as Europe and Habitat Correspondent. He’s no stranger to the program, having previously co-hosted it with the late Gerald Barry. He’s eager to build on the program’s legacy of setting the news agenda each Sunday.
A Period of Transition at RTÉ
These announcements come on the heels of broader schedule changes at RTÉ Radio 1 in October,following the departures of Claire Byrne and Ray D’Arcy.The broadcaster is navigating a period of evolution, aiming to refresh its offerings and maintain its position as a trusted source of news and information.
What This Means for You
These changes represent a commitment from RTÉ to deliver high-quality journalism and engaging programming. You can anticipate:
* Fresh Perspectives: New voices bring new insights and approaches to familiar programs.
* Continued Trust: RTÉ remains dedicated to providing accurate, engaging, and trustworthy news.
* Evolving Content: The broadcaster is adapting to the changing media landscape and the needs of its audience.
Looking Ahead
RTÉ has confirmed that internal opportunities for the roles of London Correspondent and Political Correspondent will be advertised shortly. This demonstrates a commitment to developing talent from within the organization.
These changes signal a dynamic period for RTÉ, and we’ll continue to follow developments as they unfold.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information released by RTÉ on December 5, 2023.









