RTÉ are looking for people to submit ideas for a GAA TV programme to air this year

Any thoughts, GAA fans?

RTÉ Sport are looking for ideas for GAA TV programmes to complement their live coverage of the All-Ireland football and hurling championships this year. For the next five years, RTÉ will serve as the only free to air broadcaster of both championships and they’re looking “for innovative and engaging programming ideas” to complement their coverage of live games throughout the year. More specifically, RTÉ say they have a variety of slots available which can accommodate a number of different options, such as:

• A mid-week or weekend series during the Championships
• A behind-the-scenes mini-series during the Championships
• GAA related documentaries which could play in November/December

RTÉ say they will pay particular attention to proposals which

• Are truly innovative
• Make creative use of new or existing presenting talent
• Demonstrate a full understanding of the unique nature of the national games and their place in the hearts of an Irish audience
• Come with clear and deliverable 360-degree digital/social plans as part of the proposal

RTÉ have delivered a number of GAA programmes alongside their live coverage in recent years, such as Breaking Ball, Park Live, Road to Croker, The Committee Room, Championship Matters and, most recently, Thank GAA it's Friday. People submitting ideas are asked to, in brief, consider what they would enjoy as a GAA fan, match it up with the allocated budget (maximum €350,000) and send it into RTÉ. The successful proposal will broadcast in 2017, and there may be an option of it being re-commissioned for 2018 & 2019. A strict deadline of 12 noon on 27 March 2017 has been imposed for submissions. For more information, click here.