More content and less guff, RTÉ

■ Can somebody explain why RTÉ Radio One insists on endlessly identifying itself during its frequent ad breaks?

For how much longer do audiences have to put up with self-important South Dublin voices proclaiming “‘The Ray D’Arcy Show’ on RTÉ Radio One”, hours before or during or even after said so-called show?

Or likewise, “‘The Marian Finucane’/ ‘Ryan Tubridy’/‘Ronan Collins Show’ on RTÉ Radio One” or “live entertainment update on RTÉ Radio One”.

The State broadcaster’s audiences (like RTÉ Radio One presenters) may be ageing, but they’re generally well able to find their way along the station spectrum. They don’t need to be reminded constantly of what radio station they are listening to.

On the other hand, RTÉ may be unable to attract sufficient commercials (the ubiquitous motor trade and Bord ‘Gosh’ Theatre adverts aside) to fully use the time slots allocated to advertising.

And so it fills the gap with this irritating and self-advertising guff – the broadcasting equivalent of ‘empty calories’.

Listeners deserve better in view of their licence fees and the obscenely high sums paid to RTÉ presenters and the organisation’s top management.

More content and less guff, please. Séamus Ó Braonáin Teach Mealóg, BAC 6W