Discovery (Irish TV series)

Discovery was the first documentary television series to be broadcast on RTÉ.[1] The series started on 7 January 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, 12 December 1971
  2. ↑ RTV Guide, 3 January 1964
  3. ↑ Graham, Godfrey, Forty Years Behind the Lens at RTÉ, Ashfield Press, 2005
  4. ↑ RTV Guide, 4 December 1964
  5. ↑ Irish Press, "Cleeve Rumour Denied", 14 January 1966
  6. ↑ RTÉ Guide, 1 April 1966