Liveline

Liveline
GenreInterview / phone-in chat
Running time13:45 – 15:00
Country of originIreland
Language(s)English
Home stationRTÉ Radio 1
StarringJoe Duffy
Produced byRebecca Meehan
Recording studioDonnybrook, Dublin 4
Original releasepresent
Audio formatFM and Digital radio
WebsiteOfficial site
PodcastLiveline

Liveline is an Irish radio interview and phone-in chat show broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1 each weekday afternoon between 13.45 and 15.00. The programme, which has been presented since 1999 by Joe Duffy, and is known for its slogan, "Talk to Joe",[1] tends to seek the public's opinion on various questions and debates, and invites conversation on current events and controversies. It also gives a platform to those who have suffered grievances or distressing events, and wish to raise awareness of them on the national airwaves. According to The New York Times, it is Ireland's "most popular radio call-in program".[2] According to the Irish Independent, "[Joe Duffy's] greeting at 1.45pm every weekday—"Hello, good afternoon and you're very welcome to Liveline"—is the signal for 400,000 listeners to sit back and await some lively debate or the exposure of a scam or a social scandal".[3]

From its initial launch in 1985, Liveline was presented and produced by Marian Finucane[2] and Doireann Ní Bhriain, but was taken over in 1999 by Joe Duffy. During his absence, the role of presenter is typically filled by RTÉ presenters Katie Hannon, Philip Boucher-Hayes, or Damien O'Reilly; or prior to his death, Derek Davis. Sporadically, Liveline airs "Funny Fridays", a comedic departure from the usual programme, which tend to be broadcast from various hotels around Ireland, and before an audience. On "Funny Friday", Joe Duffy is joined by a series of comedians who tell jokes, and perform humorous songs. Regular contributing comedians include Brendan "Brush" Shiels and Brendan "Doc" Savage.

As an example of typical programming, in early August of 2007, Liveline ran a series of programmes focusing on the problems experienced by those who holiday abroad, regaling listeners with stories of the dangers of foreign resorts, and the corruption of Turkish and other local police authorities, and warnings of grasping and inhospitable hotel managements. Equally, the poor behaviour of young Irish holiday makers was also highlighted. Callers also aired their grievances over topics such as bikini-wearing models.[1][4]

In September of 2009, the screenwriter Frank Deasy appeared on Liveline several days before his death from liver cancer to discuss organ donor awareness. A record of at least 5,500 people soon applied to become holders of organ donor cards, 2,000 immediately afterwards and a further 3,500 the following day.[5][6] By comparison, a similar request on The Late Late Show in 2007 yielded only 1,000 more donor applicants.[7] Mark Murphy, CEO of the Irish Kidney Association, put it down to "the power of Joe Duffy".[7]

  1. ^ a b Cooke, Gary (14 August 2009). "Who needs talking therapy when you can talk to Joe?". Evening Herald. Independent News & Media. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  2. ^ a b Clarity, James F. (26 September 1997). "Irishwomen Find Niche (And It's Not In Kitchen)". The New York Times. Retrieved 23 December 2009.
  3. ^ "Review: Autobiography: Just Joe: My Autobiography by Joe Duffy". Irish Independent. 15 October 2011.
  4. ^ Berry, Lisa Marie (13 August 2009). "Chef Derry stirs up bikini-babe picture storm". Evening Herald. Independent News & Media. Retrieved 13 August 2009.
  5. ^ "Death of award-winning TV writer". BBC News. BBC. 17 September 2009. Retrieved 17 September 2009.
  6. ^ McBride, Caitlin (17 September 2009). "5,000 apply for organ donor cards after writer's emotional Liveline plea". Evening Herald. Independent News & Media. Archived from the original on 17 February 2013. Retrieved 17 September 2009.
  7. ^ a b Ring, Evelyn (17 September 2009). "5,000 apply for organ donor cards after appeal by TV scriptwriter". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 17 September 2009.