Acting chief David Crean takes up role with remit to focus on shows rooted in Ireland offering global appeal
Irish public broadcaster RTÉ has named its first permanent head of drama in four years.
David Crean is taking up the role having been in interim charge since 2021, when previous long-term incumbent Shane Murphy departed.
RTÉ started its search for a permanent drama boss in April, with a remit to spearhead streaming growth and drive the PSB’s drama slate with shows rooted in Ireland but which offer universal appeal.
Crean joined RTÉ as a development executive in the drama department in 2007 and has most recently been working with a range of co-production partners on shows such as Taken Down, Hidden Assets, Smother, The Gone, Kin and The Boy That Never Was.
He also developed five series of Love/Hate with Stuart Carolan and Steve Matthews.
Crean is responsible for a slate of original Irish drama which this year is set to deliver 142 hours, with new and returning shows including Fair City, Hidden Assets Series 3, The Walsh Sisters and These Sacred Vows.
RTÉ’s director of video, Steve Carson, said: “I’m delighted that David is taking the reins as Head of Drama, a crucial genre for us in serving Irish audiences on TV and the RTÉ Player. He has an impressive track record in developing new ideas and creative talent, and under his leadership our audiences can look forward to an RTÉ drama slate with real range and ambition.”
Crean added: “I’m really looking forward to collaborating with our brilliant broadcast partners to bring these amazing series of Irish storytelling to audiences, firmly placing great local Irish drama on the international stage.”
Scripted content has been identified as a key driver of RTÉ’s video content strategy, which is focused on growing consumption on its streaming platforms while retaining linear viewers.
Crean will work closely with Dermot Horan, head of acquisitions and co-productions, and reports to Carson at RTÉ, which is also seeking its first dedicated comedy commissioner since Eddie Doyle departed for BBC Northern Ireland in 2018.
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