End of an era as Questions and Answers goes off air
After 21 years, Questions and Answers, the current affairs show that is synonymous with John Bowman, is drawing to a close.
RTÉ has strongly denied that its axing is a result of financial cutbacks at the national broadcaster, stating that the decision was made by RTÉ with Dr Bowman’s agreement.
“When I was initially persuaded to take on Questions and Answers in 1988 for one season, I never envisaged that it would enjoy such a prolonged run. However, despite the difficulty of such a decision, I concluded some time ago that once I had completed 20 years, it would be time to concentrate on my other interests within television. With summer 2009 marking my ‘21st birthday’ presenting the programme — and eager to devote more time to the marking of the 50th anniversary — I agree with RTÉ’s decision on the timing of this change,” the broadcaster said.
Dr Bowman will write a history of RTÉ television to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of Telefís Éireann in December 1961 as well as continuing to work on elections and other national political events. Bowman Sunday Morning, his weekly archive programme, will continue.
He will also present a series of documentaries on television’s impact on modern Ireland and act as consulting editor on other anniversary events.
RTÉ’s director general Cathal Goan said that Q&A has been an integral part of national conversation for over 20 years.
“With John in the chair expertly guiding and probing both guests and audiences, it has been an appointment to view for all with the remotest interest in current affairs at home and abroad. Given John’s central importance to its success, RTÉ has decided it will not continue the series but will — instead — seek other ways of continuing its commitment to highest quality debate on, and engagement with, matters of current public interest,” Mr Goan said.
RTÉ says that a replacement current affairs show is being devised, with full details of its format likely to be made public in the next month.
The new show will be scheduled at the same time as its predecessor, 10.30pm on RTÉ One.
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