RTÉ2 schedule targets ‘download generation’

RTÉ2 yesterday unveiled its new-look and autumn schedule in an attempt to lure the lucrative 18-35 market back to its screens.

The ‘download generation’ are firmly in the sights of RTÉ bosses, who hope the channel makeover will corner the market before new Irish stations UTV Ireland and Irish TV come on stream next year.

Advertising revenues at RTÉ television are reported to be down 40% from their peak in 2007 and bosses are hoping the newly branded RTÉ2 will bring back those who have turned their back on traditional channels in favour of the internet and services such as Netflix.

Reality TV is big on the listings as well — the schedule features Drunk, a new programme where volunteers in a controlled environment are invited to drink to excess and then take on a range of challenges to show what too much alcohol does to the mind and body.

The revamped RTÉ2 will place a much heavier emphasis on digital content, with each show having its own social media strategy.

RTÉ bosses pledged 24 new home-produced programmes, with 18 returning series.

The new season will kick off on September 22 with new programmes, including The Proposal , which follows last year’s Rose of Tralee big proposal story and a series following Traveller Kelly McDonagh along with her family.

Bressie’s Teenage Kicks will examine the real life in some of Limerick’s toughest estates, with music drawing young people together.

Old favourites, Damo & Ivor, The Savage Eye, The Fear, and Republic of Telly keep their slots.

Two young Irish men who cycled, kayaked, and ran their way along the old silk route from Istanbul to Shanghai are featured in documentary Silk Roads to Shanghai, while six rowers who rowed for 33 days from Morocco in an attempt to break the world record for Transatlantic rowing are the subject of One Ocean — No Limits.