RTÉ Board Axed as New Boss Kevin Bakhurst Takes Charge
RTÉ’s entire executive board has been stood down in a bold shake-up by new director general Kevin Bakhurst. In his first memo to staff since stepping in on Monday, Bakhurst revealed plans to overhaul the broadcaster following a scandal over hidden payments.
Interim Team to Steer RTÉ Amid Pay Scandal
An interim leadership team will temporarily run RTÉ to keep the ship steady until a new permanent board is appointed. This move comes hot on the heels of explosive financial audits exposing secret payments to star presenter Ryan Tubridy.
The audit uncovered Tubridy pocketed an extra €345,000 (£296,800) beyond what was publicly declared between 2017 and 2022. The news rocked the broadcaster and forced urgent leadership changes.
Bakhurst Promises Transparency and Openness
Succeeding former DG Dee Forbes, who quit in late June, Bakhurst pledged close collaboration with staff to restore pride in RTÉ’s public service role. He announced that salaries of the executive and interim team, plus the pay packets of the top ten highest-earning presenters, will be published starting with the 2023 Annual Report.
To boost trust further, RTÉ will create a register of interests for staff and contractors. Tánaiste Micheál Martin backed these reforms, insisting RTÉ must lead on equality and inclusion as Ireland’s national broadcaster.
“Confidence in RTÉ begins with its own staff and board and extends to the Oireachtas, the public, and the independent sector,” Martin said.
Bakhurst to Face Oireachtas Committee This Week
Bakhurst is set to take questions from the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee on Thursday, where he will outline RTÉ’s future direction amid ongoing fallout from the pay scandal.
