Exclusive: RTE axe Upfront with Katie Hannon
The current affairs show which first broadcast in 2023 and is fronted by journalist Katie Hannon has been dropped by the national broadcaster as it failed to bring in audience numbers.
On Tuesday afternoon, senior management at RTE informed staff and researchers who work on Upfront that they had 'taken the tough decision' to axe Upfront and that the program won't be returning in the autumn. General Election debate, with 10 political party leaders invited to debate live in the studio. Picture date: Monday November 18, 2024.
The missive further detailed that Upfront staff would be shunted around to other programmes throughout the organisation.
Upfront with Katie Hannon first aired on RTE 1 on Monday evenings in 2023 and covered the affairs of the nation, including heated debates on refugees and other such hot-button topics. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald during the General Election leaders' debate. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire
However, despite RTE's continued investment in news shows, Upfront failed to hit the mark, leading RTE to take the decision to pull the show from its upcoming autumn schedule.
But it's not all doom and gloom for presenter Katie Hannon as she has emerged as the frontrunner to take over as host on Live-in when Joe Duffy departs the daily call-in show.
RTE have been contacted for comment.
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