SEVERAL new home produced programmes, documentaries and a "new look" arts programme are featured among RTE's television schedule for the new year.
Included in the schedule, announced yesterday, is a new six part series starting on January 9th, called The Blackbird and the Bell, presented by award winning producer Tony McMahon.
A four part documentary series Sweet Dreams concentrates on Irish entertainers as they try to achieve success.
In March there will be a six part series, Wilderness Walks, presented by broadcaster and campaigner Lesley Riddoch.
Former Nighthawks co presenter Anne Marie Houlihane presents a new series of the arts programme Black Box, beginning January 8th.
In current affairs and religious programmes, there will be a four part series dealing with daily life in Mountjoy Prison called The Joy and former RTE presenter Olivia O'Leary returns with a new series dealing with "aspects of belief, moral issues and gospel values in Ireland's changing society".
A season of Irish made films is planned as a joint initiative by RTE and Bord Scannan na hEireann. It includes Guiltrip, directed by Gerry Stembridge and Moondance, a comedy with a soundtrack by Van Morrison.