{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/69b2f7a991324664df7ca1ab/69fb5c69921510d4c1881512?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Arena with Maurice Brosnan:  RTÉ Head of Sport Declan McBennett on GAA TV rights, Champions League coverage and punditry","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/69b2f7a991324664df7ca1ab/1778080773460-c4c8d0d0-1873-41a0-a839-49a85ca3f7a7.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>On this week’s episode, we’re joined by RTÉ Head of Sport Declan McBennett to discuss the recent announcement that the broadcaster will remain in the Irish market for Champions League coverage.</p><p><br></p><p>He explains why free-to-air television remains vital for sport, how decisions are made around which events are broadcast, and the challenges of balancing audience demand with commercial realities.</p><p><br></p><p>We also examine RTÉ’s coverage of Gaelic games, including a defence of its punditry and the role analysis plays in shaping the viewing experience.</p><p>Finally, we look to the future of live sport: should the priority be the in-stadium experience or the needs of the television audience?</p><p><br></p><p><em>Arena</em>, a new podcast from the Irish Examiner, offers weekly deep dives into Irish sport. Listen for free on the Irish Examiner website or wherever you get your podcasts.</p><p><br></p><p>Get in touch with Maurice at <a href=\"mailto:maurice.brosnan@examiner.ie\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">maurice.brosnan@examiner.ie</a></p>","author_name":"Irish Examiner"}