RTÉ (Ireland)
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Logo descriptions by GranadaTV
Photos by GranadaTV
Editions by GranadaTV, TomFromSouth
Background: RTÉ (Raidió Teilifís Éireann) is the state broadcaster of the Republic of Ireland. It began transmission on December 31, 1961 and is dependent on both licence fees and advertising for revenue.
1st Logo
(December 31, 1961-December 31, 1963)
Logo: A stark image of a St. Brigid's cross (a cross consisting of a square with 4 long arms on each end, usually being made of dried rushes) with the words "TELEFÍS" and "ÉIREANN" on each corner and side of it (Irish for "Television" and "Ireland").
FX/SFX: Unknown. Unfortunately, due to a lack of sources, we cannot elaborate on effects, sounds or music on idents before 1989 (most of those that have been seen were usually silent and still). What can be confirmed though is that the design of Brigid's cross was created by Édith Cusack, the Head of Women's Programming.
Music/Sounds: Unknown, but it would probably be silent with an announcer.
Availability: Extinct. Was seen on RTÉ's inaugural 1961 broadcast.
Editor's Note: This is a very simple, inoffensive logo, though the stark background and rugged nature of the cross may unnerve some. The cross would also be part of RTE's logos until 1995.
2nd Logo
(December 31, 1963-July 31, 1966)
Logo: A remake of the previous logo: the cross is now made of 4 polygons and the words "TELEFÍS ÉIREANN" are now bold. It's also much closer than before.
FX/SFX: None. This was recreated by Dick Butterworth to prevent strobing the last logo had encountered with.
Music/Sounds: Probably the same as the 1st logo.
Availability: Extinct. However, it has made several appearances in the RTÉ documentary series Reeling in the Years (in-programme).
Editor's Note: None.
3rd Logo
(July 31, 1966-September 30, 1969)
Logo: This logo consists of a light grey screen with a darker grey stripe in the middle. In the stripe, there are four white squares, containing an updated St. Brigid's cross and the letters "RTE" in bold font respectively. Notice that the cross is now made up of four triangles (as opposed to the polygons of the second logo) and it is inverted.
FX/SFX: None.
Music/Sounds: Same as the previous 2 logos.
Availability: See 2nd logo.
Editor's Note: None.