Discovery (Irish TV series)

Discovery was the first documentary television series to be broadcast on RTÉ.^[1] The series started on January 7, 1964 with a programme on Dublin Airport.^[2]

The series producer was Charlie Scott, and Brian Cleeve was the presenter and scriptwriter. Each half-hour edition focused on a specific subject, such as a commercial or state enterprise, an aspect of Irish culture, or some notable feature of the country's landscape.^[3]

In December 1964, Brian Cleeve received a Jacobs' Award for his contribution to the programme.^[4] However, in January 1966, it was announced that Cleeve was being dropped as the series' narrator because his voice was no longer felt to be suitable.^[5] Later that year, he left the programme completely to join the new 7 Days team.

Following Cleeve's departure, Discovery continued for another season using a number of alternative presenters, such as Paddy Gallagher, John Skehan, Michael Viney, and Terry Wogan.^[6]

In 2002, RTÉ screened digitally-remastered versions of several of the original programmes. The topics covered included skydiving, mountaineering in the Wicklow mountains, and lighthouses off the Cork coast.

References

1. ^ RTÉ Guide, December 12, 1971
2. ^ RTV Guide, January 3, 1964
3. ^ Graham, Godfrey, Forty Years Behind the Lens at RTÉ, Ashfield Press, 2005
4. ^ RTV Guide, December 4, 1964
5. ^ Irish Press, "Cleeve Rumour Denied", January 14, 1966
6. ^ RTÉ Guide, April 1, 1966