RTÉ cancels 'Upfront with Katie Hannon' after three seasons on-air

Katie Hannon

RTÉ has confirmed that Katie Hannon's flagship current affairs show has ended and will not be returning to TV screens this year.

In a statement on Tuesday, the broadcaster said  Upfront with Katie Hannon "will not be returning in September following three seasons on-air".

It said the decision to axe the show was made "due to the prioritising of people and financial resources, as the organisation incurs significant change and becomes smaller".

"RTÉ's new strategic priorities highlight the need to serve audiences beyond traditional linear TV schedules and meet the needs of younger, underserved and underrepresented audiences," the statement read. 

The broadcaster said Ms Hannon will continue as one of the anchors of the Behind the Story podcast, and will present a new TV series in the lead-up to the presidential election in October.

Ms Hannon said: "It was a privilege to work with our small team of talented and hardworking colleagues led by our editor Janet Traynor.

"I also want to thank all of those who came into our studio and trusted us with their stories and contributed to the national conversation on the issues that matter to all of us.

"I'm disappointed that we won't be able to keep that conversation going."

The decision to axe the show comes as Ms Hannon's name has been linked to the soon-to-be-vacant Liveline presenter's chair.

Joe Duffy is set to step down from the show on Friday after more than 37 years in the hot seat. Ms Hannon is one of those who have been rumoured to replace him.