Claire Byrne Leaves RTÉ to Join Newstalk in Major Radio Shift

Claire Byrne, the well-known presenter of RTÉ Radio 1’s flagship “Today” programme, will exit RTÉ later this year to rejoin Newstalk. This transition, set to take place in early 2026, will see Byrne anchor a new weekday show from 09:00 to 12:00. Her departure is part of a broader programming shift at Newstalk, which includes moving “The Pat Kenny Show” to weekends.

In a statement regarding her career move, Byrne expressed excitement about her return to Newstalk, stating, “This new chapter marks a really significant milestone for me in my career and I’m thrilled to be doing it with the vibrant team and listeners at Newstalk as they continue to thrive and cement their position in the Irish media landscape.” She also acknowledged the legacy of her predecessor, saying, “It’s a particular honour for me to take up the reins from Pat Kenny, a broadcaster whose career, skill and passion for the job is an inspiration to all of us.”

As Byrne transitions out of her role, David McCullagh, an accomplished RTÉ journalist and broadcaster, will take over as the host of “Today.” McCullagh, who currently presents RTÉ’s Six One News and the “Behind the Story” podcast, will officially begin his new role on November 3, 2023.

Patricia Monahan, RTÉ’s Director of Audio, praised Byrne’s impact, saying, “Claire has made the ‘Today’ seat her own, and her contribution to public service broadcasting across her years in RTÉ has been outstanding. We wish her the very best, and thank her for her dedication to the audiences in Ireland and around the world over many years.”

The revamped “Today” programme aims to maintain its reputation for insightful journalism and engaging content. According to RTÉ, the show will continue to provide a sharp, accessible take on the day’s top stories, featuring in-depth interviews with key figures across various fields, including politics, sports, and culture. McCullagh himself expressed anticipation for the challenge, stating, “I’m delighted to be joining the Today programme and am excited about the challenge ahead. I’m really looking forward to working with the team to build on the programme’s strong record of providing first-class coverage and analysis of the stories that are important to our audience.”

McCullagh, a Dubliner, holds a PhD in Politics from University College Dublin (UCD) and has a distinguished career in journalism. He began working at the Evening Press in 1989 before joining RTÉ in 1993. Over the years, he has received accolades for his work, including a National Media Award in 1999 for his documentary “Declaring the Republic.”

In addition to his role on “Today,” McCullagh will continue to present coverage for upcoming general, European, and presidential elections for RTÉ. He has also produced several significant documentaries, such as “Behind Closed Doors” and “Election ’18,” and authored multiple books on Irish politics.

Monahan further highlighted McCullagh’s qualifications, saying, “David’s unparalleled grasp of the political scene at home and abroad, as well as his incisive skills as an interviewer, make him the perfect choice for the ‘Today’ programme.” She added that his wit and insight will undoubtedly enhance the show’s appeal to listeners, providing both serious journalism and lighter segments that reflect the diverse interests of the audience.

As the Irish media landscape continues to evolve, both Byrne’s departure and McCullagh’s appointment mark significant moments in broadcasting, promising fresh perspectives and renewed energy for radio audiences across the nation.