2012 in Irish television

none September 2020 2012 Irish television The following is a list of events relating to television in Ireland from 2012. Events Ongoing – TV50, a series of special events throughout 2012, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the launch of RTÉ Television, then known as Telefís Éireann, on 31 December 1961.http://www.rte.ie/ten/2011/1226/tv50.html RTÉ launches TV50 26 December 2011 3 January 2012 RTÉ Ten Raidió Teilifís Éireann January 3 January – RTÉ offended viewers by depicting a dog having its legs tied together and being tossed overboard into the sea off the coast of County Donegal as part of its TV50 celebrations in a broadcast.http://www.donegaldaily.com/2012/01/05/horror-as-rte-show-footage-of-dog-being-drowned-off-donegal-coast/ Horror as RTÉ show footage of dog being drowned off Donegal coast 5 January 2012 5 January 2012 Donegal Daily 17 January – RTÉ agrees to scrap its advertising "share deal" scheme from July following an investigation by the Competition Authority. Rival broadcaster TV3 had argued the practice was anti-competitive. RTÉ offered a discount to any advertiser which committed a percentage of its budget for television advertising to them.http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0117/rte-business.html RTÉ to change ad discount system RTÉ News RTÉ.ie 17 January 2012 30 January 2012 30 January – Employees at RTÉ vote to back the broadcaster's plans to cut its staff budget by €1m a year following a ballot of members of the Trade Union Group. The vote comes after a recommendation for them to do so from an internal industrial relations tribunal, and will see the money saved through reductions in holiday pay.Cormac Murphy http://www.herald.ie/news/rte-staff-agree-to-1m-cuts-for-pay-hikebut-stars-wont-be-hit-3003522.html https://archive.today/20120803062647/http://www.herald.ie/news/rte-staff-agree-to-1m-cuts-for-pay-hikebut-stars-wont-be-hit-3003522.html dead 3 August 2012 RTÉ staff agree to €1m cuts for pay hike...but stars won't be hit Herald.ie Evening Herald 30 January 2012 30 January 2012 February 6 February – Anglo Irish Bank agrees to allow Doughty-Hanson, the UK-based private equity firm that owns the loss-making TV3 to take a repayment holiday on an €80m loan until the TV network is sold. http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/anglo-to-park-private-equity-companys-80m-loan-in-tv3-deal-3011358.html Anglo to 'park' private equity company's €80m loan in TV3 deal Irish Independent Laura Noonan 7 February 2012 9 February 2012 11 February – The live televised France versus Ireland match in the 2012 Six Nations Championship is cancelled minutes prior to kick-off, prompting boos to ring out among disgruntled spectators inside a packed Stade de France. It is the first time such an event has happened since 1985.http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0211/rugby.html Ireland match called off over frozen pitch RTÉ News RTÉ News 12 February 2012 12 February 2012Chris Whyatt BBC Sport https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/16969821 Six Nations: France v Ireland match called off at last minute BBC 11 February 2012 12 February 2012Evan Fanning https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/feb/11/six-nations-france-ireland-live Six Nations 2012: France v Ireland – as it (very nearly) happened Guardian Media Group The Guardian 11 February 2012 12 February 2012 Ryle Nugent tells viewers from his Irish commentary box, "It is a dark day in the history of the Six Nations". Tom McGurk in studio asks, "What are we doing in a rugby stadium at 9pm on a Saturday night in February?"http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/sixnations/2012/0211/live_sixnations_ireland_france.html As it Didn't Happen: France v Ireland Brendan Cole RTÉ Sport Raidió Teilifís Éireann 11 February 2012 11 February 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120212232727/http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/sixnations/2012/0211/live_sixnations_ireland_france.html 12 February 2012 12 February – David Kelly, the "grand old man of Irish acting", dies in Dublin aged 82 following a short illness. 13 February – The first advert in the UK and Ireland aimed specifically at dogs is broadcast by UTV. The 60-second commercial for the Bakers dog food brand features high-pitched sounds that cannot be heard by humans, and is a send up of the 1969 film The Italian Job.Nick Collins https://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/pets/9077741/First-advert-for-dogs-to-reach-British-TV-screens.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120216042958/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/pets/9077741/First-advert-for-dogs-to-reach-British-TV-screens.html dead 16 February 2012 First advert for dogs to reach British TV screens Telegraph Media Group The Daily Telegraph London 13 February 2012 13 February 2012 13 February – In Bed with the Irish, a documentary set among Irish couples under duvets, is broadcast by RTÉ.http://www.rte.ie/ten/2012/0213/realitybites.html Ireland under duvet in documentary RTÉ Ten Raidió Teilifís Éireann 13 February 2012 13 February 2012 17 February – A 59-year-old RTÉ props assistant, who injured himself after falling over a studio floor lamp while working on The Saturday Night Show, is awarded €18,500 in damages. The judge says he had worked accident free in RTÉ for 38 years, that he had been working in poorly lit conditions in a cluttered studio when he was injured by one of RTÉ's props, and that he had been in pain since sustaining his injury.http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0217/mcullena.html €18,500 damages for Saturday Night Show injury RTÉ News Raidió Teilifís Éireann 17 February 2012 17 February 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150302020620/http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0217/312505-mcullena/ 2 March 2015 March 5 March – TV3 airs the documentary Ireland's Secret Sex Lives: Paul Connolly Investigates which looks at the subcultures of swingers and dogging in Ireland.Niamh Horan http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/swinging-sex-clubs-attracting-societys-elites-3038998.html https://archive.today/20120802205458/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/swinging-sex-clubs-attracting-societys-elites-3038998.html dead 2 August 2012 Swinging sex clubs attracting society's elites Independent.ie Sunday Independent 4 March 2012 4 March 2012 7 March – The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland upholds a complaint against RTÉ made by Seán Gallagher relating to the tweet that derailed his presidential campaign.http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0307/gallaghers.html BAI upholds complaint against Frontline tweet RTÉ News Raidió Teilifís Éireann 7 March 2012 7 March 2012 13 March – Pyjama Girls, a documentary set among Dublin's public pyjama wearing community, is broadcast by RTÉ.http://www.rte.ie/ten/2012/0313/girlsp.html Pyjama Girls on RTÉ One tonight RTÉ Ten Raidió Teilifís Éireann 13 March 2012 13 March 2012 13 March – TV3 defends its reality programme Tallafornia after it was condemned by Senator David Norris as a "drink-sodden programme" which encourages its participants to "behave licentiously and compete to bring people home to bed them".http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/tallafornia-exploiting-its-stars-says-norris-3049065.html https://archive.today/20120803043625/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/tallafornia-exploiting-its-stars-says-norris-3049065.html dead 3 August 2012 'Tallafornia' exploiting its stars, says Norris Independent.ie Irish Independent 14 March 2012 14 March 2012 17 March – Debut of RTÉ's #HowToBeIrish, a programme made entirely of clips sent in by viewers explaining what being Irish means to them.http://www.rte.ie/ten/2012/0217/howtobeirish.html How Irish are you? RTÉ News RTÉ Ten 17 February 2012 17 February 2012 23 March – TV3 Director of Programming Ben Frow calls for resignations at RTÉ in the wake of the Father Kevin Reynolds scandal to prevent the libel case causing further damage to the broadcaster.Ken Sweeney http://www.independent.ie/national-news/heads-should-roll-over-priest-libel-tv3-chief-3059358.html Heads should roll over priest libel Independent News and Media Irish Independent 23 March 2012 23 March 2012 25 March – As the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic approaches TV3 begins airing Julian Fellowes' epic retelling of the disaster. TV3 has itself invested €300m in the series.http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/tv3-hoping-their-titanic-stays-afloat-3060164.html TV3 hoping their 'Titanic' stays afloat Independent News and Media Irish Independent 24 March 2012 30 March 2012 27 March – RTÉ broadcasts a tribute to deceased comedian Hal Roach in one of its graveyard slots, a repeat airing of a programme from the That's Entertainment series first broadcast in 1972.http://www.rte.ie/ten/2012/0327/roachh.html https://archive.today/20120908090913/http://www.rte.ie/ten/2012/0327/roachh.html dead 8 September 2012 RTÉ tribute to Hal Roach tonight 27 March 2012 27 March 2012 RTÉ Ten Raidió Teilifís Éireann 29 March – RTÉ Director-General Noel Curran announces €25m of budget cuts at the broadcaster, including pay reductions, staff redundancies and the closure of RTÉ's London office.Ken Sweeney http://www.independent.ie/business/media/rte-staff-stunned-as-second-tier-stars-take-a-30-pc-pay-cut-3066452.html RTÉ staff stunned as 'second tier' stars take a 30 pc pay cut Independent News and Media Irish Independent 30 March 2012 30 March 2012 31 March – Former broadcast journalist Mike Nesbitt is elected leader of the Ulster Unionist Party. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-17572015 Mike Nesbitt is new Ulster Unionist leader BBC BBC News 31 March 2012 31 March 2012 April 3 April – Following last year's defamation of Father Kevin Reynolds by RTÉ, the state-controlled broadcaster's head of current affairs Ed Mulhall retires, Ken O'Shea resigns from Prime Time and its stablemate, Prime Time Investigates is axed.http://www.independent.ie/national-news/rte-axes-prime-time-following-watchdog-report-3069870.html Prime Time Investigates axed following watchdog report Independent News and Media Irish Independent 3 April 2012 4 April 2012http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/0403/breaking38.html?via=rel RTÉ's head of news steps down The Irish Times Irish Times Trust 3 April 2012 4 April 2012 6 April – RTÉ breaks with the Good Friday tradition of not sounding the Angelus bells by broadcasting them as usual on television. They are also heard for the first time on Holy Saturday, a move contrary to Catholic practice which is for them to be silenced to mark the period between the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus. RTÉ argues that the daily prayer belongs to everyone rather than a single faith.Justine McCarthy Harry Leech http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/ireland/article1012435.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20150409223618/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/ireland/article1012435.ece dead 9 April 2015 Toll and trouble as RTE keeps Angelus on TV News UK The Sunday Times 8 April 2012 4 April 2015 subscription Damien Corless http://www.independent.ie/life/for-whom-the-bell-tolls-31114607.html For whom the bell tolls Independent News and Media Irish Independent 4 April 2015 4 April 2015 10 April – RTÉ says it is disappointed after details of a report from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland into the Prime Time Investigates programme Mission to Prey were leaked. The report shows the BAI will find the documentary was unfair and breached the privacy of Fr Kevin Reynolds.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17665860 BBC News Leaked priest defamation report 'finds RTÉ unfair' BBC 10 April 2012 10 April 2012 The BAI has launched an investigation into how the leak occurred.http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/republic-of-ireland/watchdog-probes-rte-report-leak-16142996.html https://archive.today/20120720182112/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/republic-of-ireland/watchdog-probes-rte-report-leak-16142996.html dead 20 July 2012 Watchdog probes RTÉ report leak Belfast Telegraph 10 April 2012 10 April 2012 17 April – An edition of the recently axed Prime Time Investigates about the illegal cigarette trade is among three RTÉ documentaries to win awards at the 2012 New York Festivals International Television and Film Awards.Eva Hall http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4284818&tpl=archnews&force=1 RTÉ Scoops Three International Awards For Documentary The Irish Film and Television Network 19 April 2012 20 April 2012 17 April – TV3 apologises for disparaging remarks that were made about Limerick in a recent edition of its series Come Dine with Me.Sheridan Anne http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/local/tv3-apologises-for-remarks-about-limerick-on-come-dine-with-me-1-3747188 TV3 apologises for remarks about Limerick on 'Come Dine With Me' Limerick Leader 18 April 2012 20 April 2012 18 April – Journalists at RTÉ condemn the broadcaster's proposed closure of its London office as a "betrayal of RTÉ's public service remit".Ronan McGreevy http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/0418/breaking56.html RTÉ journalists condemn closure The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust 18 April 2012 20 April 2012 18 April – Plans are announced for TV3 to double the size of its headquarters building at Westgate Business Park, Ballymount, Dublin, after the broadcaster signed a new lease with its landlord, Irish Property Unite Trust.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2012/0418/1224314872124.html TV3 doubles down on HQ lease The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust 18 April 2012 20 April 2012 24 April – The Social Democratic and Labour Party urges the British government to support calls for RTÉ to reverse its decision to close its London office, which is scheduled to shut following this year's Olympic games.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0424/1224315104222.html Support sought to halt RTÉ closure The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust 24 April 2012 24 April 2012 24 April – Pat Hayes, the Mayor of Waterford expresses his dismay over suggestions RTÉ might close its studio in the city and cover the southeast region from Dublin. Waterford is one of four regional studios facing the axe because of budget cuts by the broadcaster.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0424/1224315104311.html Mayor urges RTÉ not to downgrade coverage of the southeast region The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust 24 April 2012 24 April 2012 25 April – RTÉ defends its broadcasting of Masterpiece: Ireland's Favourite Painting after presenter Mike Murphy wrote to The Irish Times criticising the show's length and timeslot (it aired for an hour from 10.15pm on 17 April, which Murphy described as: "Cromwellian edict of arts programming being banished into the Connacht of broadcasting, ie, at, or past most people’s bedtime").Ronan McGreevy http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/0425/breaking49.html Murphy criticises RTÉ arts coverage The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust 25 April 2012 26 April 2012 29 April – Pat Byrne wins the first series of The Voice of Ireland.Ken Sweeney http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/teacher-pat-byrne-chalks-up-voice-victory-but-bressie-a-winner-too-26848366.html Teacher Pat Byrne chalks up 'Voice' victory, but Bressie a winner too Independent News and Media Irish Independent 30 April 2012 14 February 2015 May 2 May – TV3 and RTÉ sign a deal to retain the rights to broadcast UEFA Champions League football until at least 2015. TV3 is to continue to air Tuesday night matches while RTÉ is to broadcast games on Wednesday nights.http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4284884&tpl=archnews&force=1 TV3 & RTÉ To Retain Champions League Football Rights The Irish Film & Television Network 2 May 2012 2 May 2012 2 May – RTÉ reaches an agreement with Equity and the Irish Playwrights and Screenwriters' Guild to allow them to make their soap '‘Fair City'’ available on RTÉ Player and RTÉ One + 1.http://www.iftn.ie/finance/finance_news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4284885&tpl=archnews&force=1 'Fair City' Reaches RTÉ Player After Deal With Union The Irish Film & Television Network 2 May 2012 2 May 2012 2 May – Cardinal Seán Brady, the Catholic primate of all-Ireland, says he will not resign his post as the BBC's This World programme reveals he had details of those being abused by paedophile priest Brendan Smyth, but did not pass the information on to police or parents of the victims.Mark Simpson https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-17921673 BBC News Cardinal Brady will not resign over 'abuse failure' BBC 2 May 2012 2 May 2012 3 May – Launch of Saorsat, Ireland's free-to-air satellite television service. It carries RTÉ One, RTÉ Two HD, RTÉ News Now, RTÉjr, RTÉ One+1 and TG4.http://www.mayotoday.ie/index.php/browse-mayo-news-by-category/digital-life/item/4645-saorsat-irelands-new-free-to-air-satellite-tv-service-is-launched.html SAORSAT – Ireland's new free to air satellite TV service is launched Mayo Today 3 May 2012 22 July 2012 14 May – RTÉ Two HD launches on Sky HD.http://www.rte.ie/ten/2012/0513/rte.html RTÉ Two HD to launch on Sky Platform RTÉ Ten RTÉ 13 May 2012 14 May 2012 15 May – Taoiseach Enda Kenny rules out taking part in a debate on TV3 with Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams about the Fiscal Compact referendum, and says he will not participate in any debates on the station ahead of the 31 May vote.Mary Minihan Pamela Duncan http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0516/1224316195063.html Taoiseach rules out TV3 treaty debate with Adams The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust 16 May 2012 24 May 2012 15 May – TV3 cancels The Apprentice, meaning it will not return for a fifth series.Ken Sweeney http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/bill-cullen-told-youre-fired-by-tv3-as-station-pulls-the-plug-on-irish-the-apprentice-3109990.html Bill Cullen told 'You're Fired' by TV3 as station pulls the plug on Irish 'The Apprentice' Irish Independent Independent News and Media 16 May 2012 24 May 2012 29 May – The UK Government confirms that television viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch RTÉ One, RTÉ Two and TG4 on Freeview following the digital switchover.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18246907 BBC News RTÉ channels will go on Freeview in Northern Ireland BBC 29 May 2012 4 June 2012 29 May – RTÉ apologises after it emerged a member of staff airbrushed the logo of a TV3 microphone during a news report on the 27 May edition of the Nine O'Clock News.http://www.herald.ie/news/redfaced-rte-sorry-for-airbrushing-out-tv3-logo-3123124.html https://archive.today/20120904182613/http://www.herald.ie/news/redfaced-rte-sorry-for-airbrushing-out-tv3-logo-3123124.html dead 4 September 2012 Red-faced RTÉ sorry for airbrushing out TV3 logo Independent News and Media Evening Herald 29 May 2012 31 May 2012 31 May – RTÉ Director-General Noel Curran warns that the broadcaster is considering pay cuts and the cessation of certain services if it does not secure €25 million of cost reduction measures.http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0531/director-general-warns-rte-staff-of-pay-cuts.html Director General Noel Curran warns RTÉ staff of pay cuts and compulsory redeployment 31 May 2012 RTÉ News RTÉ 31 May 2012 31 May – The Irish Times reports that TV3 has invested in "Metrocam" technology that enables its journalists to broadcast live images without access to a satellite van. Instead the camera has a radio frequency transmitter which allows video and audio to be relayed wirelessly to its studios via a transmission station.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2012/0531/1224316983327.html TV3 cameras let out of shackles The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust 31 May 2012 4 June 2012 June 7 June – The Irish Times reports that upgrades are planned for RTÉ Player and 3Player to make viewing from mobile devices and slower broadband connections much easier.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2012/0607/1224317439066.html RTÉ and TV3 to enhance catch-ups The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust 7 June 2012 15 June 2012 10 June – The Republic of Ireland's opening match against Croatia at UEFA Euro 2012 attracted the biggest television audience for a sports event in Ireland since 1994.http://www.rte.ie/ten/2012/0611/repofireland.html 2.3 million watch Ireland's Euro 2012 opener 11 June 2012 RTÉ Ten RTÉ 11 June 2012 23 June – The Clare County Board is to write to Croke Park, expressing concern over the manner in which Clare hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald was treated on the 17 June edition of RTÉ's The Sunday Game, which discussed remarks he made to a Waterford player during that day's Munster semi-final in Thurles.Martin Breheny http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/clare-backing-fitz-in-rte-row-3147074.html Clare backing Fitz in RTÉ row Independent News and Media Irish Independent 23 June 2012 23 June 2012 July 6 July – 50th anniversary of the first edition of The Late Late Show. 7 July – It is reported that TV3 will write directly to Taoiseach Enda Kenny to reject a suggestion that he was assaulted by reporter Ursula Halligan following an incident at the National Library on 4 July in which Kenny tripped over a flower pot as he attempted to evade Halligan's questions. The incident prompted a complaint from Kenny's staff.Kevin Doyle http://www.herald.ie/news/tv3-fights-back-at-claim-reporter-assaulted-kenny-3161353.html https://archive.today/20130217192403/http://www.herald.ie/news/tv3-fights-back-at-claim-reporter-assaulted-kenny-3161353.html dead 17 February 2013 TV3 fights back at claim reporter 'assaulted' Kenny Independent News and Media Evening Herald 7 July 2012 9 July 2012 John Drennan Maeve Sheehan http://www.independent.ie/national-news/martin-to-challenge-kenny-over-spin-doctor-ursula-assault-claim-3161605.html Martin to challenge Kenny over spin doctor 'Ursula assault' claim Sunday Independent Independent News and media 8 July 2012 9 July 2012 10 July – BBC News executive Kevin Bakhurst is appointed managing director of News and Current Affairs at RTÉ, taking up the role in September.RTÉ RTÉ News Kevin Bakhurst named new RTÉ MD for News and Current Affairs http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0710/rte-news-kevin-bakhurst.html 10 July 2012 10 July 2012 17 July – The Irish Examiner reports that the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has the TV3 programme Psychic Readings Live "on their radar" following a number of complaints about the late-night show where viewers are invited to call a premium rate telephone line to receive an on-air psychic consultation.Kennedy Jason http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/tv3-psychic-show-on-the-radar-of-media-watchdog-over-cost-complaint-201042.html TV3 psychic show 'on the radar' of media watchdog over cost complaint Thomas Crosbie Holdings Irish Examiner 17 July 2012 22 July 2012 18 July – Former TV3 News Western Correspondent Jenny McCudden is named as the new editor of The Sligo Champion, becoming the first female to take up the position in the newspaper's 176-year history.https://www.independent.ie/regionals/sligo/news/jenny-mccudden-is-the-new-editor-at-the-sligo-champion/27593378.html Jenny Mccudden is the new editor at The Sligo Champion 18 July 2012 1 August 2012 The Sligo Champion Independent News and Media 22 July – RTÉ 2fm presenter Rick O'Shea wins the first series of Celebrity Mastermind.http://www.rte.ie/ten/2012/0723/celebritymastermind.html 2fm's Rick wins Celeb Mastermind RTÉ Ten RTÉ 23 July 2012 23 July 2012 24 July – RTÉ subsidiary company RTÉ Transmission Network Ltd (RTÉ NL) is to be rebranded, and located away from the Donnybrook campus as part of an ongoing restructuring at the broadcaster.http://www.techcentral.ie/19428/rte-announces-repositioning-of-network-subsidiary RTÉ announces repositioning of network subsidiary Tech Central 24 July 2012 24 July 2012 August 18 August – RTÉ begins its Ireland on Screen season, teaming up with the Irish Film Board to showcase a number of home-produced films. The season begins with Jim Sheridan's The Boxer on RTÉ One, and also includes network TV premieres of Ondine, Happy Ever Afters and The Runway.http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4285252&tpl=archnews&force=1 Ireland on Screen Film Season To Begin on RTÉ The Irish Film & Television Network Iftn.ie 17 August 2012 20 August 2012 18 August – Littlewoods Ireland takes over Ireland's sponsorship of The X Factor as the programme returns to TV3 for a ninth season.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2012/0816/1224322254968.html X marks the spot for new sponsor The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust 16 August 2012 20 August 2012 23 August – TV3 unveils its Autumn Schedule, which includes Deception, the broadcaster's first drama set on a Celtic Tiger era housing estate, and its first sitcom, On the Couch about three couples receiving counselling. Ronan McGreevy http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/0823/breaking27.html TV3 unveils first drama series The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust 23 August 2012 28 August 2012 28 August – UTV Media – which owns the ITV franchise for Northern Ireland and the UK-based sports-orientated radio station Talksport – reports a summer of mixed fortunes in terms of advertising revenue. Coverage of the 2012 European Cup proved lucrative for Talksport, but television advertising was hit by the 2012 Summer Olympics.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/aug/28/utv-media-mixed-results-summer-sport?newsfeed=true UTV Media gets mixed results from summer of sporting events The Guardian Guardian Media Group 28 August 2012 28 August 2012 29 August – The main evening edition of BBC Northern Ireland's regional news programme Newsline is relaunched with a fresh look, including a new studio and a single anchor replacing the two-presenter format.http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/and-here-is-the-news-brought-to-you-by-a-bbc-sports-presenter-16202911.html https://archive.today/20130419232659/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/and-here-is-the-news-brought-to-you-by-a-bbc-sports-presenter-16202911.html dead 19 April 2013 Maureen Coleman And here is the news... brought to you by a BBC sports presenter Independent News and Media Belfast Telegraph 28 August 2012 28 August 2012 September 3 September – The updated version of the U.S. soap opera Dallas makes its Irish television debut on TV3.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2012/0906/1224323651916.html TV3 strikes oil with 'Dallas' The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust 6 September 2012 6 September 2012 4 September – Labour's Disability Spokeswoman Senator Mary Moran criticises RTÉ’S decision not to show live coverage of the 2012 Summer Paralympics, describing it as "bitterly disappointing" and saying that she will write to the Director-General on the issue.Ronan McGreevy http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0904/1224323575435.html Senator criticises RTÉ decision not to broadcast Games live on TV The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust 4 September 2012 5 September 2012 10 September – TV3's breakfast television strand Ireland AM is relaunched with a "newsier" format amid speculation that RTÉ is to launch its own breakfast television service later in the year.http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/tv3s-ireland-am-braces-for-breakfast-tv-battle-with-rte-3225836.html TV3's Ireland AM braces for Breakfast TV battle with RTÉ Independent News and Media Irish Independent 10 September 2012 17 September 2012 13 September – TV3 announced the name of its new HD studio after signing a deal with Sony International to equip it with Sony technology. It will be called the Sony HD Studio.Eva Hall http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4285346&tpl=archnews&force=1 TV3's New Sony HD Studio Could Create 'Hundreds of Jobs' The Irish Film & Television Network Iftn.ie 13 September 2012 17 September 2012 20 September – TG4's reality series Feirm Factor – in which 10 farmers compete in a series of agricultural tasks to become the nation's best farmer – is optioned to six European countries.http://www.iftn.ie/broadcast/BroadcastNews/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4285375&tpl=archnews&force=1 Irish TV Format 'Feirm Factor' Goes Global The Irish Film and Television Network 20 September 2012 20 September 2012 October 2 October – TG4 launches its first high-definition channel titled TG4 HD. The service is launched on UPC Ireland.http://businessetc.thejournal.ie/rte-news-now-tg4-upc-619405-Oct2012/ RTÉ News Now and TG4 HD now available on UPC The Journal 2 October 2012 23 October 2012 TG4 also update their on-air and off-air identity. 10 October – The first stage of the digital switchover occurs in the UTV region. 16 October – TV3 announce that their Director of Programming Ben Frow will leave the TV3 Group at the end of the year.Cummins Steve http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4285486&tpl=archnews&force=1 Ben Frow To Leave TV3 After Five Years Irish Film and Television Network 16 October 2012 3 March 2015 22 October – RTÉ Director of News and Current Affairs Kevin Bakhurst rules out a breakfast television programme for the broadcaster on cost grounds.Michael Lavery https://www.independent.ie/regionals/herald/breakfast-tv-is-not-on-the-menu-at-rte-news-chief/28850761.html https://archive.today/20130217191216/http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/around-town/breakfast-tv-is-not-on-the-menu-at-rte-news-chief-3268236.html live 17 February 2013 Breakfast TV is not on the menu at RTÉ – news chief Independent News and Media Evening Herald 22 October 2010 23 October 2012 22 October – TV3 confirms plans to rebrand their 5.30 news bulletin as "The 5.30". The programme moves to a specially designed new virtual set at the station's Ballymount headquarters.Brian O'Reilly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/tv3-announces-revamp-to-news-at-530-as-channel-goes-high-tech-3269839.html TV3 announces revamp to 'News at 5.30' as channel goes high tech Independent News and Media Irish Independent 22 October 2012 23 October 2012 23 October – Northern Ireland completes its digital switchover at 11.30pm when the analogue signal is switched off.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20048154 BBC News Northern Ireland completes UK digital TV switchover BBC 23 October 2012 24 October 2012 24 October – The analogue television service in the Irish Republic is switched off at 10.00am, and is replaced by a second multiplex for Saorview.http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/1024/digital-switchover-television.html Analogue TV signal replaced by digital RTÉ News RTÉ 24 October 2012 24 October 2012Aideen Sheehan http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/analogue-tv-switched-off-amid-lastminute-rush-3270961.html Analogue TV switched off amid last-minute rush Independent News and Media Irish Independent 24 October 2012 24 October 2012 Saorview is available to 98% of Ireland, but there are problems receiving it in some mountainous areas.http://www.rte.ie/news/av/2012/1024/media-3421831.html# Six One News Digital switchover creates problems in southwest Kerry RTÉ 24 October 2012 25 October 2012 25 October – TV3 makes its content available on Roku, an online subscription service that streams content in the United States, Canada and Britain.Laura Slattery http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2012/1025/1224325669984.html Atlantic crossing for stars of TV3 The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust 25 October 2012 30 October 2012 November 3 November – TG4 airs the Match for Michaela, a Gaelic Football match between Donegal and Ulster from Belfast's Casement Park. The game is in aide of the Michaela Foundation, established in memory of Michaela McAreavey, who was murdered while on her honeymoon in Mauritius in 2011.Ian O'Riordan http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/1102/1224326034304.html Match for Michaela helps Hartes and McAreaveys focus on positives The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust 2 November 2012 7 November 2012Ciarán Hanna http://insideireland.ie/2012/11/04/18000-watch-ulster-beat-donegal-in-match-for-michaela-in-belfast-81210/ Over 18,000 watch Ulster beat Donegal in Match for Michaela in Belfast Inside Ireland 4 November 2012 7 November 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130116070246/http://insideireland.ie/2012/11/04/18000-watch-ulster-beat-donegal-in-match-for-michaela-in-belfast-81210/ 16 January 2013 5 November – TV3 admits that it failed to properly notify viewers of its motoring show, The Driving Seat that car makers had been asked to pay up to €5,000 to have their products featured.Connor Pope http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/1105/1224326141043.html TV3 failed to notify viewers of product placement The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust 5 November 2012 7 November 2012 9 November – The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland upholds four viewer complaints against TV3's Psychic Readings Live. They include two involving predictions of pregnancy and one case in which a woman was told her flat would burn down.Connor Pope http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/1109/breaking48.html TV3's psychics breach code again The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust 9 November 2012 15 November 2012 13 November – Ben Frow, the outgoing Director of Content at TV3, is hired by UK commercial broadcaster Channel 5 as their Director of Programmes, and will take up the position from February 2013.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/nov/13/channel-5-ben-frow Channel 5 appoints Ben Frow as director of programmes Guardian Media Group The Guardian 13 November 2015 10 April 2015 15 November – BAI begins its quintennial funding review of public service broadcasting in Ireland, expecting to complete the process in March 2013.Laura Slattery http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2012/1115/1224326602258.html RTÉ rivals pitch in over public service broadcasting study The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust 15 November 2012 15 November 2012 22 November – BAI calls on RTÉ to publish the findings of its internal report on the Frontline presidential debate programme broadcast in October 2011. The watchdog believes the editorial failings of the programme are more significant than have been publicly identified."Patsy McGarry http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/1122/breaking44.html RTÉ's Frontline criticised for failings The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust 22 November 2012 27 November 2012 23 November – In a letter to BAI chairman Bob Jones and the broadcaster RTÉ, Fianna Fáil claims that the election of Michael D. Higgins as President has been "undermined" by the "failure" of RTÉ to "adhere to proper standards".Jody Corcoran http://www.independent.ie/national-news/ff-letter-higgins-election-is-undermined-by-rte-3304999.html FF letter: Higgins election is 'undermined' by RTÉ Sunday Independent Independent News and Media 25 November 2012 27 November 2012 23 November – The Irish Times reports that TV3 is considering the introduction of a paywall for its 3Player service following ITV's decision to begin charging for some of its online content.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2012/1123/1224327007115.html Coming soon TV3 signals pay-per-view experiment for online content The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust 23 November 2012 27 November 2012 December 2 December – It is reported that the Catholic Communications Office has made an official complaint to RTÉ over a sketch by impersonator Mario Rosenstock that appeared to mock Holy Communion.Jerome Reilly http://www.independent.ie/national-news/church-demands-rte-apology-over-sketch-by-comic-3312124.html Church demands RTÉ apology over sketch by comic Independent News and Media Sunday Independent 2 December 2012 2 December 2012 3 December – Psychic Readings Live airs for the last time after TV3 cancelled the programme.http://businessetc.thejournal.ie/tv3s-psychics-live-show-cancelled-700645-Dec2012/ TV3 axes Psychics Readings Live show Distilled Media Thejournal.ie 4 December 2012 4 April 2015 5 December – Finance Minister Michael Noonan extends TV and film tax relief until 2020, and signals it will be restructured to take the form of a tax credit.Wiseman Andreas http://www.screendaily.com/news/production/uk-government-confirms-25-tv-tax-credit-6m-pool-for-training-ireland-extends-relief-to-2020/5049694.article UK government confirms 25% TV tax credit, £6m pool for training; Ireland extends relief to 2020 Screen Daily 5 December 2012 1 January 2013 7 December – It is reported RTÉ is to provide staff training on what subjects are appropriate for discussion on social media sites such as Twitter following several controversies involving tweets from presenters and other employees of the broadcaster.Claire Murphy https://www.independent.ie/regionals/herald/the-tweet-hits-the-fan-rte/28962313.html https://archive.today/20130217205153/http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/around-town/the-tweet-hits-the-fan-rte-3318652.html live 17 February 2013 The tweet hits the fan @RTE Independent News and Media Evening Herald 7 December 2012 8 December 2012 7 December – TG4 launches an on demand service on the pay-per-view service UPC Ireland.Eva Hall http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4285635&tpl=archnews&force=1 TG4 Content Now Available on Demand on UPC The Irish Film & Television Network 7 December 2012 1 January 2013 11 December – The Irish Examiner reports that the largest and most expensive television to go on sale in Ireland has gone on sale at the Harvey Norman stores in Carrickmines, County Dublin. The LG 84in Ultra HD TV has a reach longer than the arm span of most adults, and is on sale for €26,999.Seán McCárthaigh http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/size-matters-27k-tv-is-biggest-ever-sold-in-ireland-216620.html Size matters: €27k TV is biggest ever sold in Ireland Thomas Crosbie Holdings Irish Examiner 11 December 2012 1 January 2013 21 December – A record €118 million of foreign direct investment went into Irish film and television productions in 2012, it is reported.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2012/1221/1224328081384.html Irish film and television industry enjoys 'remarkable year' as investment soars The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust 21 December 2012 1 January 2013 23 December – Jockey Katie Taylor is voted the 2012 RTÉ Sports Person of the Year at the annual RTÉ Sports Awards ceremony, while former Republic of Ireland manager Jack Charlton is honoured with the RTÉ/ Irish Sports Council Hall of Fame Award.https://www.rte.ie/sport/boxing/2012/1223/360193-sporting-year-to-be-celebrated-at-rte-awards/ Katie Taylor named RTÉ Sports Person of the Year 23 December 2012 17 December 2023 RTÉ News RTÉ The event is beset with technical problems, including a sudden commercial break as Taylor is accepting her award from Sports Minister Leo Varadkar, forcing RTÉ to apologise for the glitches.Allison Bray https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/rte-left-red-faced-after-sports-award-glitches/28951669.html RTE left red-faced after sports award glitches 27 December 2012 The Irish Independent 20 December 2023 Debuts RTÉ 5 January – A Little Bit TV on RTÉ One (2012) 8 January – The Voice of Ireland on RTÉ One (2012–2016) 9 January – The Inbetweeners on RTÉ Two (2008–2010) 20 January – Who Knows Ireland Best? on RTÉ One (2012) 26 January – The Works on RTÉ One (2012–present) 2 February – 2 Broke Girls on RTÉ Two (2011–2017) May – Championship Matters on RTÉ Two (2012–present) September – Movie Talk on RTÉ One (2012) 5 November – Today on RTÉ Onehttp://www.rte.ie/ten/2012/0928/today.html RTÉ TV launches Cork daytime show RTÉ Ten RTÉ 29 September 2012 30 September 2012 (2012–present) 8 November – Don't Trust the B— in Apartment 23 on RTÉ Two 12 November – The Mario Rosenstock Show on RTÉ Two (2012–2016) 16 November – Debra! on RTÉ Two (2011–2012) 29 November – Irish Pictorial Weekly on RTÉ One (2012–present) TV3 January – Celebrity Come Dine with Mehttp://www.rte.ie/ten/2012/0107/celebritycomedinewithme.html Purcell wins Celeb Come Dine with Me 7 January 2012 6 April 2012 RTÉ Ten RTÉ (2012–????) 18 February – Family Fortunes (2012–2014) 25 March – Titanic (2012) 28 May – Dublin HousewivesMay 2020 (2012–2013) 16 June – Psychic Readings Live (2012) 17 June – Celebrity Mastermind (2012–present) 3 September – Dallas (2012–2014) Undated – Mastermind (2012–present) Ongoing television programmes 1960s RTÉ News: Nine O'Clock (1961–present) RTÉ News: Six One (1962–present) The Late Late Show (1962–present) 1970s The Late Late Toy Show (1975–present) RTÉ News on Two (1978–2014) The Sunday Game (1979–present) 1980s Fair City (1989–present) RTÉ News: One O'Clock (1989–present) 1990s Would You Believe (1990s–present) Winning Streak (1990–present) Prime Time (1992–present) Nuacht RTÉ (1995–present) Nuacht TG4 (1996–present) Ros na Rún (1996–present) Premier Soccer Saturday (1998–2013) TV3 News (1998–present) Ireland AM (1999–present) Telly Bingo (1999–present) 2000s Nationwide (2000–present) TV3 News at 5.30 (2001–present) Against the Head (2003–present) news2day (2003–present) Other Voices (2003–present) Saturday Night with Miriam (2005–present) One to One (2006–2013) The Week in Politics (2006–present) Tonight with Vincent Browne (2007–2017) Xposé (2007–2019) Monday Night Soccer (2008–2013) At Your Service (2008–present) Championship Live (2008–present) Midday (2008–2016) Operation Transformation (2008–present) Raw (2008–2013) The Big Money Game (2008–2013) 3e News (2009–present) Dragons' Den (2009–present) The Frontline (2009–2013) Midweek (2009–2014) The Morning Show with Sybil & Martin (2009–2013) Republic of Telly (2009–2016) Two Tube (2009–present) 2010s The Daily Show (2010–2012) Four Live (2010–2012) Jack Taylor (2010–present) Love/Hate (2010–present) The Saturday Night Show (2010–2015) Take Me Out (2010–2013) Mrs. Brown's Boys (2011–present) Come Dine with Me (2011–2013) The GAA Show (2011–present) MasterChef Ireland (2011–present) OMG! Jedward's Dream Factory (2011–2013) Paul Connolly Investigates (2011–2015) Ending this year 2 March – The Daily Show (2010–2012) Four Live (2010–2012)http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/around-town/claire-daithi-and-maura-wont-be-back-2954714.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120105133600/http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/around-town/claire-daithi-and-maura-wont-be-back-2954714.html dead 5 January 2012 Claire, Daithi and Maura won't be back 6 December 2011 20 February 2012 Leanne Moore Evening Herald Unknown date – Craig Doyle Live/The Social (2011–2012) Unknown date - Celebrity Mastermnd (2012) 15 April – Titanic (2012) 3 December – Psychic Readings Live (2012) Deaths 10 January — Mary Raftery, 54, journalist (States of Fear, "Cardinal Secrets"), ovarian cancerhttp://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/0110/breaking10.html Journalist Mary Raftery dies 10 January 2012 10 January 2012 Patsy McGarry The Irish Timeshttp://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0110/rafterym.html Journalist Mary Raftery dies aged 54 10 January 2012 10 January 2012 RTÉ News dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120415063804/http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0110/rafterym.html 15 April 2012 6 February — Noel Kelehan, 76, musician, former conductor of the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and former musical director of Raidió Teilifís Éireann http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0207/1224311401117.html RTÉ conductor Noel Kelehan dies The Irish Times Eoin Burke-Kennedy 6 February 2012 9 February 2012 12 February — David Kelly, 82, film and television actorhttp://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0213/1224311684377.html Grand old man of Irish acting dies, aged 82 The Irish Times 13 February 2012 13 February 2012 3 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130103233618/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0213/1224311684377.html dead 24 August — Maureen Toal, 82, actress best known for her role as Teasy McDaid in Glenroe.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0825/1224322964711.html 'Greatest'actor Maureen Toal dies The Irish Times The Irish Times Trust Fiona Gartland 25 August 2012 28 August 2012 See also 2012 in Ireland References 30em External links List of 2012 Irish television series at IMDb 2012