A major overhaul of RTE Radio 1's schedule is expected in the new year. A system of "banding" programmes is to be introduced, so the listener knows what kind of programme to expect at any given time of the day.
In practice it means The Gay Byrne Show will be extended by 20 minutes until 12.50 p.m., and programmes that precede News At One, such as The Health Studio, will be dropped.
The radio drama Konvenience Korner will be broadcast five days a week, but for only eight minutes a day, instead of twice a week for 20 minutes. It will be broadcast after The Gay Byrne Show.
Liveline with Marian Finucane is to be extended by 15 minutes until 3 p.m. Mike Murphy's Arts Show will be broadcast from 3 p.m. until 3.30 p.m. five days a week, instead of three, followed by a feature programme. Though decisions have yet to be made, it is believed Dick Warner will present an environmental programme and Derek Mooney a programme devoted to the world of work.
It is believed meetings to plan the evening schedule are taking place this week, but it has been decided there will be three one-hour "bands" until 10 p.m., with a talk band between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., a music band between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., followed by another talk band.
This is the first opportunity the new head of radio, Ms Helen Shaw, has had to stamp her personality on the schedule. It is believed the 2FM schedule will have only minor changes, if any.
When Ms Shaw was appointed she indicated she was happy with its schedule.
The schedule shows the influence of Ms Shaw's time with the BBC. The strong banding is similar to Radio Five Live, the BBC's most successful channel.
The input by the Cork studios on Friday would seem to be a casualty of the new policy.