Liveline

rdf:langString Liveline

rdf:langString Liveline

rdf:langString Liveline

rdf:langString FM and Digital radio

rdf:langString Interview / phone-in chat

rdf:langString present

rdf:langString Rebecca Meehan

rdf:langString Liveline is an Irish radio interview and phone-in chat show broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1 each weekday afternoon between 13.45 and 15.00. The programme, which is currently presented by Joe Duffy and known for its slogan "Talk to Joe", seeks the public's opinion on various questions, normally one or more controversial current events. According to The New York Times, it is Ireland's "most popular radio call-in program". According to the Irish Independent, "His greeting at 1.45pm every weekday -- "Hello, good afternoon and you're very welcome to Liveline"—is the signal for 400,000 listeners to sit back and await some lively debate or the exposure of a scam or a social scandal". From its launch in 1985, Liveline was originally presented and produced by Marian Finucane and Doireann Ní Bhriain, but has been presented by Joe Duffy since 1999. During the presenter's absence, the role of presenter is typically filled by Philip Boucher-Hayes, Damien O'Reilly or previously Derek Davis. "Funny Fridays", while thoroughly unpopular to regular listeners features guests who include Brendan "Brush" Shiels and Brendan "Doc" Savage. In early August 2007 Liveline ran a series of programmes focusing on the problems experienced by those who holiday abroad; scaring listeners with stories of the dangers of foreign resorts and the corruption of Turkish and other local police and warnings of grasping and inhospitable hotel managements. Equally, the poor behaviour of young Irish holiday makers was also highlighted. Callers also air their grievances over topics such as bikini-wearing models. In September 2009, the screenwriter Frank Deasy appeared on Liveline several days before his death from liver cancer to discuss organ donor awareness. A record of at least 5,500 people soon applied to become holders of organ donor cards, 2,000 immediately afterwards and a further 3,500 the following day. By comparison, a similar request on The Late Late Show in 2007 yielded only 1,000 more donor applicants. Mark Murphy, CEO of the Irish Kidney Association, put it down to "the power of Joe Duffy".