RTÉ Reveals 2024 Top Earners: Presenters Lead with Controversy

The latest figures from RTÉ’s 2024 Annual Report reveal a distinct split between presenters and executives among the broadcaster’s top earners. Joe Duffy emerged as RTÉ’s highest-paid presenter for the year, earning €351,000. This figure reflects a significant shift following the departure of Ryan Tubridy amid the payments controversy in 2023. Duffy, who retired in June 2024 after a remarkable 37-year career at the national broadcaster, took the top spot after Tubridy’s exit.

Claire Byrne claimed the position of the second highest-paid presenter, with earnings of €280,000. In August 2024, Byrne announced her departure from RTÉ to join Newstalk, marking another notable shift in the broadcaster’s landscape. The evolving nature of RTÉ’s leadership and talent pool has been under scrutiny, particularly in light of the recently introduced salary caps.

Executive Compensation and Revenue Challenges

Among the top 10 highest earners, the figures for management include salaries along with pension contributions and allowances. Notably, RTÉ’s director general, Kevin Bakhurst, announced in 2023 that no one at the broadcaster would earn more than his salary of €250,000. This decision reflects an effort to address public concerns regarding executive pay amid ongoing financial pressures.

In 2024, RTÉ received approximately €222 million in support from the State and licence fee income, alongside commercial revenues totaling around €160 million. This financial support rose by €29 million compared to the previous year, highlighting the government’s commitment to the broadcaster. However, Minister for Communications Patrick O’Donovan cautioned that such support “is not bottomless,” indicating potential challenges ahead.

The list of RTÉ’s top earners illustrates a landscape marked by change and controversy. Ray D’Arcy, a prominent figure in the broadcaster’s history, recently departed after his contract was not renewed. D’Arcy expressed his surprise at the decision, stating he felt “completely blindsided” and claimed he was instructed not to inform his team or listeners about the situation.

As RTÉ navigates these financial and personnel changes, the implications for its programming and audience engagement remain to be seen. With ongoing discussions about pay structures and funding sources, the future of RTÉ will likely continue to be a topic of public interest.