One of RTE's longest running current affairs programmes, Questions and Answers is to cease broadcasting in June after 23 years, the national broadcaster confirmed this afternoon.
Its presenter John Bowman has been contracted by RTÉ to write a history of RTÉ television to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of Telefis Eireann in December 1961 and he will also present a series of documentaries on television’s impact on modern Ireland.
He will also act as consulting editor in other initiatives being considered to mark the station’s anniversary.
“When I was initially persuaded to take on Questions and Answers in 1988 for one season, I never envisaged that it would enjoy such a prolonged run," he said today.
"However, despite the difficulty of such a decision, I concluded some time ago that once I had completed twenty years, it would be time to concentrate on my other interests within television. With summer 2009 marking my ‘21st birthday’ presenting the programme - and eager to devote more time to the marking of the 50th anniversary - I agree with RTÉ’s decision on the timing of this change.”
RTÉ’s Director-General, Cathal Goan described Questions and Answers as an integral part of the national conversation for over twenty years.
"It has been an appointment to view for all with the remotest interest in current affairs at home and abroad," he said. "Given John’s central importance to its success, RTÉ has decided it will not continue the series but will - instead - seek other ways of continuing its commitment to highest quality debate on, and engagement with, matters of current public interest.”
Questions and Answers was first broadcast in November 1986 and was initially presented by Olivia O’Leary. Bowman has chaired the programme since October 1988.
RTÉ confirmed the political and current affairs programme that will replace Questions and Answers will be in the same Monday evening time slot and that it will include public participation.
