Kieran Cuddihy Withdrawn from Tonight’s Late Late Show Appearance

Kieran Cuddihy will not appear as a guest on the Late Late Show scheduled for tonight due to a contractual dispute with Newstalk. The radio station has asserted that Cuddihy remains under contract, prompting them to send legal correspondence to both RTÉ and the presenter this afternoon. This development follows Cuddihy’s recent confirmation as the new host of RTÉ’s Liveline, which adds another layer to the ongoing changes within the broadcaster.

The news of Cuddihy’s absence from the Late Late Show comes shortly after RTÉ announced his appointment as the new presenter of Liveline. In a statement released earlier today, RTÉ confirmed that Cuddihy is unable to attend the program, reflecting the complexities of his transition from Newstalk, where he held the role of presenter on The Hard Shoulder.

In an effort to clarify the situation, RTÉ removed promotional material related to Cuddihy from its social media platforms. The broadcaster had previously shared details about a significant reshuffling of its programming schedule, which includes the new Today with David McCullagh, now set to begin at 09:00 instead of the usual 10:00 start. Oliver Callan will also see his show shift to a longer slot, airing from 11:00 to 13:00. Other changes include Louise Duffy moving to mid-afternoon and Katie Hannon along with Colm Ó Mongaín taking over Drivetime from 16:00 to 18:00.

Cuddihy’s departure from Newstalk comes after an announcement by senior management, confirming he would not return to the station’s schedule after Thursday’s broadcast. In an email to staff, Newstalk expressed gratitude for Cuddihy’s years of service and acknowledged the opportunity this change presents for the station as it moves forward with new plans.

Claire Byrne, who recently announced her own departure from Newstalk, will now find herself in direct competition with David McCullagh during the morning slot, followed by Oliver Callan in the late morning hours. This shift further intensifies the competitive landscape of Irish radio.

Cuddihy’s career began at Newstalk, where he started as a researcher for the Breakfast Show after completing a law degree at University College Cork and a master’s degree in journalism from Dublin City University. He quickly ascended the ranks to become a presenter on The Hard Shoulder following Ivan Yates’ departure. His recent interview with presidential candidate Joanna Donnelly gained attention when she appeared unprepared for his probing questions.

The new Liveline presenter is married to Natasha and they reside in Kilkenny with their two children, Sam and Grace. Cuddihy’s family life and his wife’s mediation business also reflect a commitment to community and personal growth outside his professional endeavors.

As RTÉ navigates these changes, Cuddihy is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Liveline, following Louise Duffy’s long-standing tenure of 27 years. Duffy expressed her gratitude for her time on the show, highlighting the importance of making people feel heard. Cuddihy’s appointment is seen as a significant step for RTÉ Radio 1, positioning him to engage with listeners on pressing issues while fostering dynamic discussions.

The evolving landscape of Irish broadcasting promises to remain intriguing as Cuddihy settles into his new role, and as the competition among radio personalities intensifies.