RTÉ’s Upfront with Katie Hannon current affairs slot has seen a drop in viewership, shedding up to 80,000 viewers compared to the same dates last year for Claire Byrne Live. This has raised questions over public appetite for another current affairs show on RTÉ, which already airs two Prime Time programmes weekly, as well as The Week in Politics on Sunday. However, an RTÉ spokesperson claimed Upfront is a brand-new format which has been growing new digital audiences for RTÉ.

RTÉ’s current affairs show, Upfront with Katie Hannon, has lost up to 80,000 viewers compared to the same dates last year for Claire Byrne Live. Award-winning broadcaster Hannon took over from Byrne in January as the programme underwent a format overhaul. Her show has a panel of commentators and public representatives who debate topical issues with a live studio audience. Upfront also includes more public interaction, with feedback and comments from viewers taken from social media and put to contributors. The sudden drop in viewership now suggests questions over the public’s appetite for another current affairs show on RTÉ, given that the broadcaster airs two Prime Time programmes weekly, along with The Week in Politics on Sundays. Claire Byrne is the leading contender to replace Ryan Tubridy on The Late Late Show.