Linear Former Channels Although Ireland was one of the first countries in Europe to adopt radio communication, it was a relative latecomer to regular television.

Unlike France (1935), United Kingdom (1936) and Italy (1954), the Government of Ireland did not broadcast regular television for the population until December 1961.

It initially recommended a service similar to the UK's ITV, using five mountains as transmission sites which were also equipped with FM radio transmitters.

A year later, Radio Éireann was converted from an arm of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs[3] to a quasi-state body and given responsibility for television.

[1] It was originally intended to open on 25 December of that year, but Andrews gave the Radio Éireann staff time off for Christmas.

The programme, which was a countdown to the New Year, was hosted by Andrews and included appearances by Patrick O'Hagan, the Artane Boys' Band and Michael O'Hehir.

The first programme made in colour by RTÉ was the documentary special, John Hume's Derry, shown under the 7 Days banner.

The new station, RTÉ 2, went on the air on 2 November 1978; the opening night featured a variety show from Cork Opera House.

RTÉ 2's remit was to provide alternative television; its schedule included live relays of British programmes and original programming.

In 1987, RTÉ 2 was renamed Network 2 to revive flagging ratings; many viewers preferred BBC Northern Ireland or UTV, both of which are accessible in much of the Republic.

The season featured 114 new and returning home-produced programmes (including the Voice of Ireland, Operation Transformation and Celebrity Bainisteoir, and RTÉ Television confirmed new programming for its digital channels.

RTÉ2 is focusing on new Irish comedy, including Amy Huberman's Finding Joy, the return of Bridget & Eamon and Podge and Rodge.

[14] RTÉ News, current-affairs programmes and specials, such as the St. Patrick's Day parade and Easter Mass, were freely streamed live around the world on 17 March 2007.

Each genre operates broadly under a commissioning editor, except for RTÉ News and Current Affairs (separately structured and controlled).