RTÉ2
RTÉ2’s SWIPE TV beats world gunging record as new app launched
Swipe TV, RTÉ’s flagship television series for 7 to 12 year olds, returned to RTÉ2 with a splash today in a bid to beat the gunging world record. Presenter Simon Mulcahy, joined by newcomer Claire O’Reilly and Mebs the puppet, gunged 70 children in three minutes, and while the result must wait for official verification, that number beats the record previously held by the BBC’s Blue Peter. RTÉ’s Ray D’Arcy (pictured), Nuala Carey and Blathnaid Treacy were also involved in the mayhem this afternoon – Ray said it’s been nearly 20 years since he was last gunged, and that was by Kylie Minogue!
The event today marked the launch of Swipe TV’s innovative and groundbreaking new App, which offers the ultimate, secure online experience for 7 to 12 year olds. The App has brought together and curated a diverse and engaging mix of original content in a digital online space that is 100% fun and safe for kids to enjoy – with no ads and no in-App purchases. Once registered, Swipe TV users will discover a truly interactive App, one where the users are in control. App users will be able to view, like and comment on all the content and once the Swipe TV community has spoken, these opinions will be reflected back into the TV show.
Sheila de Courcy, Controller RTÉjr and Cross Divisional Head of Children’s Content said: ‘RTÉ is delighted to be offering a secure, commercial-free, online experience for youngsters. The free SwipeTV App will allow children to interact with a broad range of content in a safe digital world, and to see their opinions reflected back on television made especially for them.’
The Swipe TV App promises great content: Spooky Stakeout, a specially-commissioned interactive drama; Pop Up Popstar, where kids get to make their own pop music videos; The Billy Skid Show, in which competitors go head-to-head with Billy in an attempt to win glorious prizes; plus children can vote in exciting polls, scroll through photo galleries, win prizes in our fantastic competitions, check out great new animation and watch more comedy sketches than ever before.
The App is now available to download for free on Android and iOS devices from the App store & Google Play store.
Swipe TV airs at 4.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on RTÉ2. On Mondays, Who Rules The School? sees teams of school kids go head-to-head in an attempt to gunge their teacher; What’s Up Wednesday? arms kids with all the ‘how to’ info they might need to navigate their way through life and the Brain Box team will also be standing-by in studio to answer all their questions; Mighty Friday gets up-close and personal with all things entertainment.
Date: Monday 28 September 2015
ENDS
For press queries: Anne-Louise Foley, Senior Press Officer RTÉ TV Communications, 208 3298, 085 1288911, foleya@rte.ie
Pictures will be issued to picture desks this afternoon.