Michael Lawlor a former news editor with Radio Éireann, describes the work of the newsroom in the 1950s and the impact the arrival of tape recording made.
Tape recording was introduced in Radio Éireann at the end of 1949, allowing for re-use, longer recording and easier editing.
In this extract from the series 'Vintage Radio' presenter Kieran Sheedy introuduces Michael Lawlor, a former news editor with Radio Éireann, who describes the work of the newsroom in the 1950s and the impact the arrival of tape made.
Michael Lawlor also explains why it was often easier to get international news stories than stories from rural Ireland.
Title: |
Diary of 1953 |
Material Type: |
Audio |
Clip Title: |
Tape Recording Introduced At Radio Éireann 1949 |
Series Title: |
Vintage Radio |
Information: |
The introduction of tape recording heralded the end of an era for live broadcasting. For Christmas 1949, a 90-minute pantomime, 'Cinderella' with Jimmy O'Dea, was recorded with success. Acetate discs had limitations. They were complex to make, easily damaged, difficult to store and programmes had to be recorded in "one go". They also had a short playing duration. Broadcasting a long work like a symphony from discs would require constant changeovers during the course of a programme. There might be eight to ten four minute sides involved. This brought with it the constant risk of playing disks in the wrong sequence. Taping a programme eliminated this problem altogether. Radio Éireann gained several other advantages when tape recording was introduced. Firstly, the link between performance and studio transmission was broken. A performance could now be recorded at a manageable time for the artists. Far better use could be made of studio time all day. And, although costly, the tapes could be re-used and sound quality was excellent. For the first time, programme material could be manipulated by editing. Complex programmes of music sound effects and dialogue could be pre-recorded - or spliced together into the correct sequence. A complete radio tape might be a package comprising the opening announcement, signature tune, the programme itself , closing music and closing announcement. All this would be on the one tape. Programme timing was precisely known. As long as the tape started at the right moment, human error in presentation and programme overruns were virtually eliminated. This greatly improved the professionalism and presentation style of Radio Éireann in the 1950s. 'Vintage Radio' was a series broadcast in 1983 where Kieran Sheedy introuduced a selection of well remembered and notable programmes from the past. The photograph accompanying this clip shows a Nagra reel to reel tape recorder. © RTÉ Stills Library 2270/071 The photographer was Tom Holton. |
Local Keywords: |
Kieran Sheedy, Michael Lawlor, RTÉ, Radio, Radio Éireann, Broadcasting, Technology, Tape, 1940s, |
Coverage: |
Ireland |
Topic: |
The Media |
Contributor(s): |
Kieran Sheedy (Presenter) |
Publisher: |
RTÉ |
First Broadcast Channel: |
RTÉ Radio One |
Broadcast Date: |
04/07/1983 |
Production Year: |
1983 |
Country of Production: |
Ireland |
IPR Restrictions: |
Rights Reserved - Free Access |
Rights, Terms and Conditions: |
Copyright RTÉ. This material may not be replicated in any form or manner without the prior express permission of RTÉ. Any form of reproduction in print, television, video, multimedia, web site or other electronic media or any form of dissemination for commercial or non-commercial use must be licensed by the RTÉ Archives. If you wish to licence video or audio clips, still images or text, or would like further guidance please contact us. RTÉ Archives are committed to respecting the copyright of others and have attempted to source and credit the copyright owners of all material used here. RTÉ would like to hear from any copyright owners who are not properly identified here so that the necessary corrections can be made. If you feel your copyright has not been respected please contact us. |
Item Type: |
part/extract |
Sound: |
Mono |
Language: |
English (eng) |
