RTÉ 'Prime Time' presenter and author Mark Little has announced that he is taking a year's leave of absence from RTÉ in the New Year.
The presenter is to pursue a project combining digital media and global journalism.
In a statement today, he said: "During 18 happy years with RTÉ as a correspondent and presenter, my first love has always been reporting on global affairs.
"The rise of social media platforms like Youtube, Twitter and Facebook provides an opportunity for journalists to change the way we report the world. I would like to take a more direct role in that transformation.
"Unfortunately, that means taking a break from my work with Miriam [O'Callaghan, co-presenter] and the 'Prime Time' team who have been like a family to me.
"In particular, I would like to mention Miriam who has been a great personal friend to me and someone who has taught me an amazing amount about broadcasting.
"Whilst I will be leaving in the New Year, I look forward to maintaining a long-term relationship with RTÉ."
Commenting, Ken O'Shea, Editor of RTÉ Current Affairs, said: "We are delighted for Mark who is leaving us temporarily to embark on an exciting new project, but are obviously going to miss him and the enormous contribution he makes to 'Prime Time' and the area of current affairs.
"He is an outstanding journalist with a natural talent for broadcasting."
