RTÉ (Ireland)

Background
RTÉ (Raidió Teilifís Éireann) is the state broadcaster of the Republic of Ireland. It began transmission on December 31, 1961 and is dependent on both licence fees and advertising for revenue.

1st Logo (December 31, 1961-December 31, 1963)
Logo: On a black background, we see a stark image of a St. Brigid's cross (a cross consisting of a square with 4 long arms on each end, usually being made of dried rushes) with the words "TELEFÍS" ("TELEVISION" in Irish) and "ÉIREANN" ("IRELAND" in Irish) on the top left and bottom right sides of it respectively.

FX/SFX: Unknown. Unfortunately, due to a lack of sources, we cannot elaborate on effects, sounds or music on idents before 1989 (most of those that have been seen were usually silent and still). What can be confirmed though is that the design of Brigid's cross was created by Édith Cusack, the Head of Women's Programming.

Music/Sounds: Unknown, but it would probably be silent with an announcer.

Availability: Extinct. Was seen on RTÉ's inaugural 1961 broadcast.

Editor's Note: This is a very simple, inoffensive logo, though the stark background and rugged nature of the cross may unnerve some. The cross would also be part of RTE's logos until 1995.

2nd Logo (December 31, 1963-July 31, 1966)
Logo: A remake of the previous logo: the cross is now made of 4 polygons and closer to the screen and the words "TELEFÍS ÉIREANN" are now bold.

FX/SFX: None. This was recreated by Dick Butterworth to prevent any strobing the last logo had encountered with.

Music/Sounds: Probably the same as the 1st logo.

Availability: Extinct. However, it has made several appearances in the RTÉ documentary series Reeling in the Years (in-programme).

Editor's Note: None.

3rd Logo (July 31, 1966-September 30, 1969)
Logo: On a gray background, we see a dark gray stripe in the middle. In the stripe, there are four white squares, containing an inverted St. Brigid's cross made up of four triangles and the bold letters "RTE" respectively.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: Same as the previous 2 logos.

Availability: See the 2nd logo.

Editor's Note: None.