A reflection on the challenges that faced Ireland's first national broadcasting service.
Irish public service broadcasting began at 7.45 p.m. on 1 January 1926 when 2RN went live from a studio in 36 Little Denmark Street in north inner city Dublin.
In a programme made to celebrate 50 years of an Irish radio service, presenter Andy O’Mahony observes how the first broadcasters struggled to provide content for as broad an audience as possible, and describes their primary mistake as,
Trying to please too many people for too much of the time.
The 2RN opening night programme mainly comprised of live performances from the No. 1 Army Band, traditional and classical musicians and singers and the Palestrina Choir.
Composer and Director of Music at RTÉ Gerard Victory admires what was achieved by the new radio service and reminds listeners of the limited resources that were available in the Ireland of 1926. The Civil War had only come to an end two and a half years prior to this, and the social and political ramifications were still keenly felt throughout the country. This meant the provision of news and current affairs as we know it today was not possible.
Finances were tight and 2RN operated on a skeleton staff, but a ready supply of amateur musicians was available. The resulting radio schedule was diverse and underpinned by an ethos which strove to keep to the middle ground, providing listeners with
Something homely, something friendly and communicative.
From 'Orpheus Ascending: 50 Years of Irish Radio’ broadcast on 11 January 1976. The presenter is Andy O’Mahony.
