A new hour-long weekly show on RTÉ Radio 1 hosted by Eamon Dunphy is likely to be a mixture of live and pre-recorded programmes when it gets under way in the autumn.
After the launch of the station's controversial new weekday autumn schedule, which will include three new programmes and an extended Liveline show, head of RTÉ Radio 1 Ana Leddy yesterday said discussions about the format of Dunphy's show were continuing.
She confirmed the new show will "probably be a mixture" of both pre-recorded and live shows. When asked what was her preference, she declined to comment but maintained that "whatever my preference is we'll do".
"We're working with Eamon to see what is the best way to achieve the best programme," she said. Dunphy, who it is believed may take over the Saturday slot currently occupied by fellow presenter Derek Mooney, was unavailable for comment yesterday.
Among the new shows being introduced to the schedule are Mooney, presented by Derek Mooney, which will be aired from Monday to Thursday from October 4th from 3-5pm.
The decision to introduce the new programme, which is intended to have a broader appeal than the previous afternoon arts and culture programme Rattlebag, provoked controversy when it was announced last May.
Ms Leddy yesterday acknowledged that some RTÉ staff members had found change difficult, but she had talked with people who had "issues".
"Why would I ignore all these fabulously creative heads around me?" she said. "[We] delivered our vision and have been prepared to take the hard decisions."
The station also announced that an "all new" late-night arts and culture programme, entitled The Eleventh Hour and hosted by Macnas actor, director, writer and producer Páraic Breathnach, is to be broadcast at 11pm each weeknight.
Among the other key changes to the autumn's schedule are the replacement of current affairs programme Five-Seven Live with Drivetime.
Starting at 5pm from September 4th, this will be anchored by former RTÉ legal affairs correspondent Mary Wilson. At 6.30pm sports presenter Des Cahill will take over a half-hour segment entitled Drivetime Sport.
This will be followed by Drivetime with Dave Fanning between 7pm and 8pm, an entertainment-based show.
The station has also extended Liveline by 15 minutes and has commissioned a range of plays and factual series.