Does RTÉ think the arts are ‘niche’?

RTÉ’s superb new arts show, The Works, is not even into its second month of broadcasting and it is being moved to the later slot of 11.15pm this week.

That the programme does not occupy the logical timeslot immediately after Primetime only adds to the suspicion that, fine words to the contrary, RTÉ considers the arts a niche subject.

In fact, the programme’s presenter, John Kelly, has often pointed out that “the arts” is a rather pointless label.

Most us like music, read books, watch movies, and so on.

That it has decided to broadcast The Works so late at night suggests it still doesn’t get Kelly’s point and sees “arts” programming as something to be shifted around at a whim because, really, nobody important is watching anyway.

Donal O’Keeffe

Fermoy

Co Cork