The following is a list of events relating to television in Ireland from 1978.
Events January – The controversial secondary school drama The Spike goes on air. It was pulled from the schedule following a nude scene in Episode 5 which sparked criticism from Irish conservatives, and has never been retransmitted. March – George T. Waters is appointed as Director-General of RTÉ. 2 November – Ireland's second television channel, RTÉ 2 goes on air. The opening night features a variety gala performance from the Cork Opera House and the 1968 film Bullitt. 6 November – The UK soap Coronation Street is aired for the first time on RTÉ 2. It had previously only been available to those who could receive UTV or HTV Wales.
Debuts
RTÉ 1 January – The Spike (1978) 29 April – Fables of the Green Forest (1973) 11 September – Hong Kong Phooey (1974–1975) 25 October – The Clifton House Mystery (1978) 24 December – Christmas Eve on Sesame Street (1978)
RTÉ 2 2 November – RTÉ News on Two (1978–present) 3 November – The Upchat Line (1977) 3 November – Armchair Thriller (1978–1980) 3 November – The Voyage of Charles Darwin (1978) 4 November – Rumpole of the Bailey (1975, 1978–1992) 4 November – Mind Your Language (1977–1979) 4 November – Sha Na Na (1977–1981) 4 November – Bruce Forsyth's Big Night (1978, 1980) 6 November – Coronation Street (1960–present)
UTV 13 July – Leave it to Charlie
Changes of network affiliation Shows Moved from Moved to The Great Grape Ape Show RTÉ 1 RTÉ 2
Ongoing television programmes RTÉ News: Nine O'Clock (1961–present) RTÉ News: Six One (1962–present) The Late Late Show (1962–present) The Riordans (1965–1979) Quicksilver (1965–1981) Wanderly Wagon (1967–1982) Hall's Pictorial Weekly (1971–1980) Sports Stadium (1973–1997) Trom agus Éadrom (1975–1985) The Late Late Toy Show (1975–present)
Ending this year Undated – The Spike (1978)
Births 5 May – Paul Byrne, broadcast journalist 31 October – Ella McSweeney, radio and television producer
See also 1978 in Ireland
References