news2day is an Irish children's television news programme, broadcast weekdays at 4:20pm on RTÉ2. It is 10 to 15 minutes long, with 15 minute recap episodes on Saturdays. It is similar in format to the BBC's Newsround.[1] It is currently presented by Barry Gallagher and Molly O'Connor.
| news2day | |
|---|---|
| Presented by | Barry Gallagher/Molly O'Connor |
| Country of origin | Republic of Ireland |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Production locations | Studio 3, RTÉ Television Centre, Donnybrook, Dublin 4 |
| Camera setup | Single-Camera |
| Running time | 10 – 15 minutes |
| Production company | RTÉ Studios |
| Original release | |
| Network | RTÉ2 |
| Release | 2003 – present |
Format
The programme is aimed at children between the ages of six and twelve, and is presented in a child-friendly manner, making it easy for children to understand and to gain an interest in the news. They present various topics, which include news, sports, entertainment and lifestyle.[2]
In February 2009, to coincide with RTÉ News and Current Affairs receiving a major revamp of a new studio and set, news2day, also received a revamp, with a new computer generated background, new logo, titles, and theme music and also received a new site when RTÉ rebranded The Den to TRTÉ.
History
news2day was first presented by Ailbhe Conneely (2003–2004) and Cathal Murray (2003). Conneely has since become a journalist with RTÉ News and Murray presents a late night show on RTÉ Radio 1.
The next presenters were Paul O'Flynn (2004–2005) and Sabrina Phelan (2004–2006). O'Flynn now works as a reporter with RTÉ Sport and Phelan is a trainer with Dog Training Ireland.
Then there was Paddy McKenna (2005–2007) who now co-presents RTÉ 2fm's Weekenders with Ruth Scott on RTÉ 2fm. Helen Joyce later joined him (2006–2008), and Stephen Carroll (2007–2008) later joined her. Joyce is a journalist with the BBC and Carroll is a journalist working as a Business Editor for France 24 and a freelance journalist for RTÉ Radio.
After that came Aisling Riordan (2008–2010), now a reporter with RTÉ's Morning Edition. Stephen O'Shea (2008–2010), presented with her. O'Shea works with a Government Minister. Yvonne Redmond (2010–2011) came along then; she is now Communications Executive with Agri Award. Aidan Kelly (2010–2012) later joined her then left to become a journalist with Worldirish.com.[3]
Then came Nick Sheridan (2014 – 2016), who went onto work in the BBC Scotland newsroom, before passing away in March 2024 after a short illness. Zainab Boladale joined the newsroom in 2017 presenting alongside Cillian Sherlock, becoming the first person of African descent to become a news anchor on RTÉ television,[4] leaving in 2019 to join Nationwide.[5]
Aisling Moloney joined the newsroom in 2019, presenting alongside Sherlock.[6]
Mícheál Ó Scannáil joined in August 2020, replacing Sherlock.[7] He was then joined by Reem El-Hassany, who joined the team in 2021. She is the first presenter of Arab descent to join the newsroom.[8] Molly O'Connor joined the presenting team in 2022, replacing Ó Scannáil.[9] El-Hassany left the programme in June 2023, with Barry Gallagher joining the presenting team in September 2023.