RTÉ and the Globalisation of Irish Television
Author: Farrel Corcoran

A new book by Professor Farrel Corcoran, School of Communications, studies the structural transformation now taking place in Irish broadcasting. For about 40 years, RTE's radio and television channels have played an enormous role in shaping Irish social and cultural life. This book examines, in detail, how RTÉ is coping with the demands and pressures of the national marketplace, the public sphere, and the global media industries. Professor Corcoran brings to his analysis the experience of several decades of academic analysis of mass media and five intense years as chairman of the RTÉ Authority.

His critical inquiry into globalisation and its effects in national media is made vivid with anecdotes and illustrations from his period inside RTÉ and from other sources. To the general reader with an interest in the media, he provides some insights into how an institution like RTÉ works. To the academic reader with an interest in how theory matches impirical reality, he provides material for testing and developing critical analysis. Professor Corcoran describes RTÉ failures as well as successes and leaves his judgement open as to whether RTÉ can continue to be a viable and valuable public service broadcaster.