RTÉ2

## Channel description

With innovation as its hallmark, RTÉ2 will provide distinctive and relevant programming for Irish young people through factual, entertainment, comedy, sports, documentary and acquired drama.

## History

The 1970s were a period of great investment by RTÉ in new services. Apart from introducing colour television, the organisation was also faced with the challenge of establishing A second television station. At first, it was suggested by the minister for post and telegraphs, Conor Cruise O’brien, that a simple relay of a BBC channel would satisfy demand for more programming while remaining inexpensive to operate. This idea was eventually dropped in favour of an indigenous channel controlled by RTÉ, following a survey of public opinion. Taoiseach Jack Lynch launched the second television channel, RTÉ 2 from the Opera House in Cork on 2nd November 1978. Originally, RTÉ 2 broadcast its programs only during the evening. The channel carried programming from the BBC and ITV and Channel 4 , sometimes simulcast with the original broadcasters, to enable Southern Irish people to catch those programs hitherto only available to people living across borders in Northern Ireland. The channel was not very successful in this format

In September 1988 the channel was given a major revamp and renamed Network 2. To attract the public, the broadcast schedule was increased, which began at 2:30 p.m., and several RTÉ1 programs aimed at young audiences were transferred, such as *The Den* , the RTÉ children's space, or the American series and sports broadcasts . Furthermore, the programs in Gaelic were also shown. The audiences improved and the brand was maintained for a few years with variations in the corporate image

Once again in 2004 the station was renamed and became RTÉ Two, in line with its sister channel RTÉ One. ‘Train’ was one of a series of idents used to rebrand RTÉ Two. Although several changes were made, such as an increase in national content, a very similar approach remained for a decade. Continuing with the corporate branding of RTÉ radio and Television stations RTÉ Two's iconic children's brand *The Den* ended on 20 September 2010. *The Den* was replaced by TRTÉ, while *Den Tots* was replaced by RTÉjr; this was due mainly to the onset of digital TV on which RTÉjr is available as a separate channel. *Two Tube* remains as the teenage block of programming.

RTÉ Two became RTÉ2 when the autumn schedule was launched in 2014. The channel was given a new look and a new identity.

At the launch, RTÉ2 Channel Controller Bill Malone said: “The ambition for RTÉ2 is to create a highly distinctive, relevant, youthful public service channel we can all be proud of – to position RTÉ2 as the channel for the under 35s and those who think young.”

## Programming

RTÉ is focused on a young audience, and most of its broadcasts are American or British productions. In many cases, North American programming tends to be broadcast earlier on RTÉ than on other EBU or European channels. It is also more open to other formats such as reality TV spaces .

The programming was divided into a children's block, *RTÉjr*, which runs from morning to five in the afternoon. Its own channel was launched in May 2011 . Then there is youth programming (TRTÉ), with the broadcast of series such as The Simpsons, and programs of a cultural or sports nature (such as the FAI League of Ireland or the UEFA Champions League). Prime *time* is usually covered by US series like Lost or The Big Bang Theory. RTÉ2 has some news programs, which are broadcast at 11:00 p.m.