David McCullagh to Earn €240K in New RTE Role, Joins Top Earners

URGENT UPDATE: RTÉ presenter David McCullagh is set to join the ranks of the national broadcaster’s top earners with a lucrative annual salary of €209,000, plus pension contributions totaling around €240,000. This announcement comes as McCullagh prepares to take over the flagship mid-morning slot on RTÉ Radio 1 from Claire Byrne, who is transitioning to rival station Newstalk later this year.

Confirming his new role on air with Oliver Callan on Tuesday, McCullagh stated that he did not undergo any formal audition process for the position, which he expects will place him among RTÉ’s top ten earners. He expressed his satisfaction with the salary, indicating that he accepted the offer without hesitation after being approached over the summer.

McCullagh’s new role will officially commence on November 3. He holds a PhD in politics and has an extensive background at RTÉ, previously serving on programs such as Prime Time, Morning Ireland, and Six One News.

The shift comes amid significant changes in RTÉ’s lineup, as Claire Byrne, who was reported to earn €280,000 in 2023, leaves behind a highly successful program—her show was one of the most listened to in the country, according to the latest JNLR listenership report. Callan humorously noted the transition, likening Byrne’s exit to replacing “big daddy” Pat Kenny with “big mammy.”

While the details of Byrne’s new salary at Newstalk remain undisclosed, her high-profile move is expected to make waves in the broadcasting community. The shift not only impacts McCullagh’s career trajectory but also marks a significant moment in RTÉ’s programming strategy as it navigates competition in the radio landscape.

This news is developing, and listeners are eager to see how McCullagh’s fresh perspective will influence the RTÉ Radio 1 lineup. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting transition in Irish broadcasting.