Arena with Maurice Brosnan: RTÉ Head of Sport Declan McBennett on GAA TV rights, Champions League coverage and punditry

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by RTÉ Head of Sport Declan
McBennett to discuss the recent announcement that the broadcaster
will remain in the Irish market for Champions League coverage.


He explains why free-to-air television remains vital for sport,
how decisions are made around which events are broadcast, and the
challenges of balancing audience demand with commercial
realities.


We also examine RTÉ’s coverage of Gaelic games, including a
defence of its punditry and the role analysis plays in shaping
the viewing experience.


Finally, we look to the future of live sport: should the priority
be the in-stadium experience or the needs of the television
audience?


Arena, a new podcast from the Irish Examiner, offers weekly deep
dives into Irish sport. Listen for free on the Irish Examiner
website or wherever you get your podcasts.


Get in touch with Maurice at maurice.brosnan@examiner.ie


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