RTÉ Appoints Roger Childs Religious Programmes' Editor

RTÉ has announced the appointment of Roger Childs as Editor of Religious Programmes (Radio and Television).
In his new post Childs will be responsible for production and commissioning of programmes of worship as well as coverage of religious and spiritual matters for both RTÉ Television and Radio.
Childs has an impressive background in broadcast production having worked in the industry for over 18 years as a programme-maker with the BBC, Channel 4, Discovery and WNET (New York). He has 14 years' experience in religious broadcasting, both radio and television, most recently as Series Producer of BBC ONE's Festival output and previously The Heaven & Earth Show.
Childs commented: "It's a privilege to be taking on this role at a time of such dynamic social and cultural change in Ireland.
"Peace in the North and prosperity in the South are bringing huge dividends, but also great challenges - most notably a decline in regular church attendance, a marked increase in religious and ethnic diversity and a growing sense of moral confusion.
"Reconciling Ireland's new racing pulse to its older religious heartbeats is a challenge I relish. For a great many people, religion continues to offer inspiration and comfort; a source of meaning and narrative; a sense of belonging and a moral compass.
"It's also the big story of our time, which we ignore at our peril. With the right treatment, I know from experience that religion still has the power to attract, move, inform and entertain large mainstream audiences. It deserves its place at the heart of our broadcasting schedules."
(DS)