RTÉ schedule - Viewers set to enjoy feast of quality TV

RTÉ’S New Year schedule augurs well for the quality of TV viewing during 2007.

While viewers will be treated to the customary sprinkling of American fluff and so-called reality TV, there is a welcome flavouring of public service broadcasting throughout the schedule unveiled yesterday.

It is heartening to note that homegrown drama and documentary programmes feature highly in the listings. For instance, a series exploring the upsurge of violence in Irish society includes a fascinating insight into the work of State Pathologist Marie Cassidy.

A three-part series takes us behind the scenes of St Francis Hospice, while a new drama lifts the lid on the realities of life among Dublin’s nouveau riche.

RTÉ’s ongoing commitment to public broadcasting, as exemplified by the excellent investigative work of the Prime Time team, is particularly encouraging. So too is the emphasis being placed on making programmes that entertain people while enriching their lives.