03-06-2025
RTÉ appoints new Head of Drama
Former director and a producer David Crean has been appointed RTÉ's new Head of Drama.
Mr Crean was appointed following an eternal competition and joined RTÉ as a development executive in the drama department in 2007.
In his time at RTÉ, he has developed and executive produced with a range of co-production partners on shows including Love/Hate, KIN, Smother, The Gone, and The Boy That Never Was.
In his new role, Mr Crean will be responsible for a slate of original Irish drama, including 142 hours of homegrown storytelling.
New and returning dramas in production for RTÉ in 2025 include Fair City, series three of Hidden Assets, The Walsh Sisters, These Sacred Vows, series three of The Dry, series two of Obituary, and Storyland.
Speaking about his new role, Mr Crean said, "It is an honour to appointed as the RTÉ 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.
"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."
In a statement RTÉ said, "RTÉ's Drama team collaborates with a number of national and international co-production partners. This significant level of original RTÉ drama production represents a sizable investment in Irish talent, culture and the broader creative economy.
"Collectively, these dramas will employ over 1,800 people including scriptwriters, directors, producers, actors, hair and make-up teams, wardrobe and various other creative talents, underpinning RTÉ's commitment to ongoing investment in the Irish creative economy and the independent production sector."
Speaking about Mr Crean's appointment, RTÉ'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 RTÉ 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."
