A serious rift has developed on RTE's flagship current affairs television programme, Prime Time, between one of its presenters, Vincent Browne, and the programme's senior editor.
Mr Browne is understood to be unhappy with the direction and content of the programme and has clashed with the senior editor, Mr Gary Agnew, over both issues.
He recently sent a document to Mr Agnew outlining several shortcomings in the programme and expressing dissatisfaction with his role on the show, which has about 170,000 viewers.
He told The Irish Times he was not planning to leave Prime Time. Other RTE sources said he was unhappy that so few of his ideas were being used on the programme.
It is understood Mr Browne may hold a meeting with Mr Cathal Goan, the director of television, shortly to discuss his future role on the show. An RTE spokeswoman said last night Mr Browne remained one of Prime Time's three presenters. Mr Agnew told The Irish Times Mr Browne remained a presenter, but he declined to comment further.
The programme has recently lost several reporters and producers. The number of programmes has also been cut from three to two per week and its output has been criticised by television critics. Mr Browne has been with Prime Time for five months, mainly presenting, although he recently produced a report on Mr Charles Haughey. He formerly hosted the RTE Radio One programme, Tonight With Vincent Browne.
Other staff on the programme are understood to be unhappy with the number of programmes produced every week and the lack of investigative journalism. It is understood Mr Browne shares some of these concerns.
It was recently decided to drop a monthly slot for long investigative documentaries and this caused a lot of dissatisfaction among some staff, sources said yesterday.
There are between 25 and 30 people working on Prime Time, including the two other presenters, Miriam O'Callaghan and Brian Farrell.