It’s still a big earner for them in terms of advertising. On RTÉ, apart from Sport, the late late show and programmes about doing up houses are ratings winners.I wouldn't be surprised if RTE took this opportunity to axe the Late Late or at the very least dramatically change the format.
It's a failing organisation and their flagship show has gone to absolute shit. I'd imagine it's viewer base is older people who are dying and not being replaced by younger people.
What young person wants to spend their Friday night sitting at home watching Francis Brennan fold bedsheets and listening to Sharon Shannon play the squeezebox?
Also bought in formats like strictly come dancing. Nine of the top ten most watched broadcasts last year on Irish terrestrial TV were sports: Football, Rugby, Hurling, and Soccer, in that order. Number one was the Late Late Toy Show.