Overview of programming from
Peter Johnston, Head of Broadcasting,
³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Northern Ireland
"This autumn, we examine the nature
of contemporary life in Northern
Ireland, delve into history, look to the
future in the company of some
inspiring characters and showcase the
passions and events which enrich
people's lives.
Ìý
"We will be spending £29m on programmes
of local interest for ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ ONE and ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳
TWO NI during 2005/06. £13m of this is
for our core news and current affairs service;
and complementing this, we will produce 260
hours of brand new programming.
Ìý
"This
means we are producing more local TV
programmes than ever before, to ensure we
continue to provide something of value for
everyone.
Ìý
"Reflections of modern life emerge as we
follow a group of Mormon missionaries on
the doorsteps; find out how tough it is when
a life-long employer closes down; question
perceptions of homosexuality; and see the
social side of the city through the goings-on
in the Europa Hotel.
Ìý
"Nolan Live will continue to allow people to debate the issues of society today; and
William Crawley will present a new series
of ethical discussion programmes.
Ìý
"The
mysteries of the teenage mind will be
exposed in a special season of short films
and, in a series created by school-leavers,
find out the secrets of their school formals.
Ìý
"There is a strong strand of documentaries
looking at events of the 20th Century,
including the powerful and emotional story
of Teddy Dixon, who witnessed the liberation
of Dachau; and the poignant tales of the
evacuees who left wartime Belfast for a life
in the country.
Ìý
"We also remember the Miami
Showband massacre and the dramatic impact
it had on the music industry and cultural
life of the time.
Ìý
"Drawing on the Past is a
gentle and hopeful account of the reunion
of a group of boys who grew up together in
turbulent times.
Ìý
"Going further back in time, You Thought You
Knew returns - this time exploring the fact
and fiction of the Border, Cuchulain and the
Famine.
Ìý
"There will be a focus on physical and
emotional journeys in a series of powerful
profiles, including the life of Father Kieran
Creagh in South Africa, Leigh Alderson's
struggle to become a world-class ballet
dancer, and the painful steps to recovery for
blind water-ski champion Janet Gray.
Ìý
"There
will also be a major documentary on painter
Sir John Lavery; and the epic journey of the
Brent Geese concludes in Supergoose – The
Return.
Ìý
"Only one man can combine all of the above
with a passion, a journey and history – Gerry
Anderson is in the Wild West, giving his own
unique take on that part of the world, and
looking at some of the links with back home.
Ìý
"There will also be a series of music specials
and events including the Proms at Belfast
City Hall and extensive coverage of the
Belfast Festival at Queen's.
Ìý
"Comedy investment has been a priority this
year and some new TV and radio series have
already begun, including a brand-new comedy
sketch show for the New Year.
Ìý
"In this season, we will also see Folks on the
Hill return, and a very special Give My Head
Peace Christmas show.
Ìý
"Six self-confessed Mummy's Boys will seek
help to become more independent in an
entertaining new series.
Ìý
"Psychologist
Geoffrey Beattie is also back to advise six
local families on how to come to terms with
their difficulties, and we will go under the
sea with the crew of a nuclear submarine,
led by their commander from Belfast.
Ìý
"On ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ TWO, the Irish Language magazine
series SRL returns.
Ìý
"Sport continues to
feature strongly in our programming, with a
wide-ranging portfolio including the NI v
England World Cup qualifier, the magazine
programme Season Ticket and a new four-part series, Sporting Traditions.
Ìý
"And let's not forget that ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Northern
Ireland is growing a prolific portfolio of
network output.
Ìý
"Watch out for major
announcements from our drama, news
and current affairs teams in the coming
months, including some incredible
Shakespeare co-produced by ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Northern
Ireland and more of Messiah and Murphy's
Law.
Ìý
"This season shows the immense creativity,
imagination and passion of programme makers in Northern Ireland, both inside and
outside the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳.
Ìý
"I am proud of the rich
mix of people, places and stories they have
captured and I hope that viewers enjoy our
new Autumn and Winter schedule."
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