RTÉ has announced the appointment of Shane Murphy as Group Head of Drama and Comedy following a public competition.
Shane has over 25 years’ editorial and commercial experience across all aspects of drama and comedy production including Development, Commissioning, Co-production, Distribution and Broadcast, in Europe the US and the Middle East. He has experience across a wide variety of drama and scripted comedy in various aspects of production, from long running series like 'The Man in the High Castle', to shorter run dramas such as 'Crimson Petal & The White' and comedies such as ‘Dectectorists’, 'Can't Cope, Won't Cope' and 'Finding Joy'.
The Dublin native has been Managing Director of London based Acorn Media Enterprises since 2015 where he has lead the commissioning, development and co-production of several major dramas in partnership with broadcasters such as ITV, SKY, BBC, 9 Network, TVNZ and Viaplay. For Acorn he has commissioned many shows, including ‘Agatha Raisin’ from Free@Last and Company Pictures and ‘London Kills’ from PGMTV.
Over the course of his career, Shane has worked with international media houses including Fremantle Media Enterprises, Discovery Networks, Tiger Aspect Productions, Granada International and Agatha Christie Ltd as well as several broadcasters.
As RTÉ’s Group Head of Drama and Comedy, Shane will be responsible for developing and delivering drama and scripted comedy across RTÉ's platforms with a particular focus on growing youth audiences and the development of new Irish writing, performing and production talent in partnership with the Irish independent production sector.
Speaking of his appointment, RTÉ Director of Content, Jim Jennings said, "As a public service broadcaster, creating and delivering original Irish drama and comedy in partnership with the independent production sector is an important part of RTÉ’s remit. Shane brings a wealth of knowledge of all aspects of production along with extensive international experience which will enable RTÉ to build on its success in drama and comedy and to develop and nurture Irish creative talent".
Shane Murphy said, “While I’m genuinely sad to be leaving the uniquely creative and dynamic Acorn Media, I could not turn down the opportunity to work across scripted shows in my native public service broadcaster. I’m very much looking forward to taking on this exciting new role and working with teams across RTÉ and with the Irish independent sector to further develop RTÉ Drama and Comedy."