As part of the broadcaster’s drive to reinforce 2FM as “the original and collective voice of young Ireland”, several changes will be rolled out next month that will introduce some new faces.
RTÉ said the move was based on “extensive listener research” into what younger audiences prefer.
2FM Breakfast – hosted by Carl Mullan, Roz Purcell and Aisling Bonner – will extend by an hour until 10am after normally running from 6am to 9am.
The cast of 2FM Breakfast: Carl Mullan, Roz Purcell and Aisling Bonner. Picture: RTÉ
Doireann Garrihy will return to the station after maternity leave with a new two-hour show 2FM Morning with Doireann Garrihy airing at 10am.
Her 2FM Drive slot will now be filled by Laura Fox and The Six O’Clock Show host Katja Mia from 3pm.
Several changes have been made and some new faces are set to join the station as the new schedule takes hold in May. Picture: RTÉ
Today’s news in 90 seconds – Thursday, April 2
2FM Afternoon will be presented from the station’s Cork studio by Demi Isaac and Mikey O’Reilly from the Dublin studio at 12pm, with both receiving the gig following an expressions-of-interest competition across the station last year.
Beta Da Silva will play the most popular tunes from the charts and will discuss the nation’s busy live event schedule from the 6pm slot.
Beta Da Silva. Picture: RTÉ
Confirming that Clifford will no longer present her show 2FM Afternoon with Tracy Clifford after more than a decade on air, RTÉ said in a statement that she “very much remains part of the RTÉ family and details will be announced in due course”.
Station head Dan Healy thanked her for doing a “phenomenal job” over the last decade.
In an Instagram post, Clifford said the last decade had been a “privilege”.
“After more than a decade – ‘The Big Tune Afternoon’ with me, Tracy Clifford, is coming to an end over the next few weeks,” she wrote.
“We’ve had it all! The most incredible guests, amazing Studio 8 sessions, Panic! Playing the best new Irish music, Ten Tune Tracy (my only talent) getting out on the road… I think we’ve been to every festival in Ireland at this stage! And let’s not forget the daily ribbing from Showbiz and Two foot head D.O.B!
“But more than anything, it’s been about chatting to YOU, our listeners, every single afternoon.”
Revelaing that she has been feeling “a little nudge” to break away from the job that “asks a lot, professionally and personally”, Clifford said she was ready to take on a new challenge.
“I’m staying within the RTÉ radio family (more on that soon ) and I’m dipping a toe into telly!,” she said
She also said that she would appear on tonight’s The Six O’Clock Show on Virgin Media speaking to hosts Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian, who is filling in for Katja Mia.
She sent her best wishes to her replacements Demi Isaac and Mikey O’Reilly and complimented the duo’s “unmistakable spark”.
“Thank you for always being part of this with me. I’m so proud of it. Always,” she said, addressing her audience.
Mr Healy said that the new schedule would be “truly reflective of the audiences we serve”.
Several changes have been made and some new faces are set to join the station as the new schedule takes hold in May. Picture: RTÉ
Today’s news in 90 seconds – Thursday, April 2
“What makes this schedule especially exciting is the range of voices and perspectives it brings together, and which will create a rich listening experience that feels both authentic and inclusive.”
RTÉ director of audio Patricia Monahan said the changes were just another part of the broadcaster’s reimagination of its audience focus.
“This new and fresh 2FM schedule is a central part of our ongoing focus on delivering more to audiences as we continue to implement RTÉ’s audio strategy.
“Connecting with and entertaining younger audiences across Ireland, with spontaneous chat, infectious energy, and great music, including the Irish artists they love are central to what 2FM is about.
“This schedule will allow 2FM to take another important step forward and we are excited about bringing it to audiences in May.”