Director general of RTÉ, Kevin Bakhurst, has assured listeners of the podcast Insights with Sean O’Rourke that the relocation of The Late Late Show won’t in any way degrade it. Addressing apprehensions voiced by RTÉ unions about moving the leading chat show and popular soap opera, Fair City away from the Montrose campus and exploring the possibility of engaging independent production companies, Mr Bakhurst reassured that RTÉ would remain vigilant in its oversight of The Late Late Show due to its high editorial sensitivity.
RTÉ has been home to the Late Late Show since 1962 and is synonymous with its editorial character. In a town hall meeting, employees were informed of the anticipated €137 million costs required to meet environmental standards for the building to continue in use after 2030. Hence, according to Mr Bakhurst, RTÉ has been compelled to search for an alternative location and potentially, a new production studio for Fair City.
The 60-year old building, known for its leaking roof and costly repair needs, is expected to be vacated in five years. The search for a new site to both hold The Late Late show and build Fair City’s new set will likely intensify in the upcoming months.
The former senior news editor at the BBC and current director general at RTÉ, expressed his profound shock and disgust to Mr O’Rourke with regards to former BBC newsreader Huw Edward’s conviction. Edwards, who had confessed to accessing inappropriate images of children as young as seven, was given a suspended prison sentence of six months in September.
Mr Bakhurst extended his heartfelt sympathy towards the victims, emphasising the universal dismay shared by all who knew Edwards. He also commented on the significant predicament the BBC currently faces on how to deal with archived footage where Edwards is the presenter – such as the event of Queen Elizabeth’s passing. Labeling it as a “tough one” for his previous employer, Bakurst stated that erasing this part of history might not be an option for the BBC. In bemoaning these circumstances, he asserted that it’s regrettable BBC’s name now has a negative association due to Edwards’ actions, but not broadcasting this footage is unlikely.