RTE shakeup as visionary behind groundbreaking series Kin and Love/Hate to take on ‘crucial' new role
RTE are shaking things up in one of their "crucial" TV departments.
The national station appointed David Crean as the new Head of Drama, following an external competition.
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David Crean has been appointed as the Head Of Drama for RTE
Credit: RTE
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David helped to develop all five seasons of Love/Hate
Credit: RTE
David joined
The RTE star, who's currently working as Acting Head of Drama, has developed and produced with a range of co-production partners a slate of successful drama series, such as Kin, Taken Down, Hidden Assets, Smother, The Gone and The Boy That Never Was.
He also developed all five seasons of Love/Hate with Stuart Carolan and Steve Matthews.
David has shared his excitement to take on the new role saying: "It is an honour to be appointed as the RTE Head of Drama as we have recently announced an unprecedented slate of original Irish drama in production which will deliver 142 hours of high-quality, homegrown storytelling across screens in Ireland and around the world this year with plenty more planned commissions to come.
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"I'm really looking forward to collaborating with our brilliant broadcast partners to bring these amazing series of Irish storytelling to audiences, firmly placing great local Irish drama on the international stage."
RTE's Director of Video, Steve Carson said, "I'm delighted that David is taking the reins as Head of Drama, a crucial genre for us in serving Irish audiences on TV and the RTE Player.
"He has an impressive track record in developing new ideas and creative talent, and under his leadership our audiences can look forward to an RTÉ drama slate with real range and ambition."
This year RTE have promised to deliver 142 hours of high-quality homegrown TV shows across Ireland and around the world, which David will be responsible for.
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Some of which includes returning dramas such as Fair City, Hidden Assets, The Walsh Sisters, These Sacred Vows,The Dry, Obituary, Sisters and Storyland.
Maura and Daithi sign off from final show
RTE's Drama crew joins forces with an array of national and international co-production partners.
The level original drama created in RTE shows a large investment in Irish talent, culture and the broader creative economy.
These dramas are set to employ over 1,800 people - including scriptwriters, directors, actors, hair and make-up teams, wardrobe and various other creative talents.
While
The Mayo native will have his hands full reporting and providing analysis across TV, radio and online on the issues and trends impacting the business community across Ireland.
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The Business Correspondent for RTE News covers a wide brief, including banking, retail, aviation, hospitality and stockmarkets.
Fergal has worked as a multimedia journalist in RTE for the last seven years since October 2018 and has been across TV, radio and online news including RTE's Six One News, Nine O'Clock News, News at One on RTE Radio 1 and RTE online.
The host studied Economics at Independent Colleges in Dublin, and Business and Psychology at Dublin Business School, as well Criminology and Criminal Psychology at City Colleges in Dublin.
He began his media career at a local radio station MidWest Radio and went on to work in Today FM and Newstalk before joining TV3.
With over 20 years of broadcasting experience, Fergal has reported extensively on key issues that have faced the country including the financial crash, Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as major events and elections.
Commenting on his new role Fergal said: "I'm delighted to have been appointed to the role of RTE Business Correspondent at such a pivotal time for the business community in Ireland.
"As I take on the position, I'm conscious that there is much uncertainty facing the Irish and global economies. The impact of the planned tariffs from the US administration has the potential to be the biggest challenge facing many businesses, households and indeed the State since Brexit and the financial crash.
"Business crosses every sector and has an impact on all of our lives, and as part of my new role, I will hope to visit as many businesses as I can across the country, to tell the stories of those directly impacted by wider decisions."
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RTE have promised to deliver 142 hours of high-quality homegrown storytelling this year
Credit: Reuters
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