RTÉ to deliver 15% more drama to TV viewers

RTÉ have commissioned a wide range of new indigenous Irish drama, for all ages, to be produced this year and broadcast in 2003 and 2004 on both RTÉ One and Network 2.
A demonstration of RTÉ's commitment to deliver 15% more drama for an increased licence fee, this swathe of drama commissions reflects and illustrates a complex, contemporary Irish culture.
"Home-produced drama attracts and engages viewers like no other kind of programming, and should be at the heart of our schedules. Now it will be," said Clare Duignan, Director of Television Programmes, RTÉ. "We are delighted that the Licence Fee increase allows RTÉ to bring more drama to our audience than ever before. With new drama for teens and young adults, and for children, along with more generally appealing drama, I hope that viewers will agree that the new RTÉ drama schedule is a marvellous return for the Licence Fee."
New drama for post-watershed RTÉ One includes fully-funded series, co-productions and programmes touching on all aspects of Irish life.
Mary Callery, Commissioning Editor, Drama, RTÉ said: “It’s a very busy summer for RTÉ Drama with such an unprecedented level of production activity underway. Looking across the extensive range of projects, it is hugely exciting and gratifying to see the quality and diversity of Irish creative talent inherent in each one of them and to provide the opportunity to Irish television audiences to enjoy them.”
(GB)