RTE Staff Shocked by Ray D’Arcy’s Departure: Insider Compares to Joe Duffy’s Farewell

Thursday’s drama came as a shock to most staff in Montrose who heard the news at the same time as the rest of us

The ruthless cull came after D’Arcy and Monahan failed to agree terms for a renewed contract and in the heat of the negotiations the Kildare man was told that he had presented his last ever show on RTÉ Radio One.

Thursday’s drama came as a shock to most staff in Montrose who heard the news at the same time as the rest of us.

Joe Duffy said his long goodbyes

Our station insider revealed that the final meeting between the popular presenter and the new boss got extremely heated.

“As soon as Ray became aware of Patricia’s intent to not renew the terms of his previous contract after it expires in December, he tried to save face and requested time to plan his future and say his goodbyes to the listeners that he has built up over 11 years.

“He wasn’t even allowed do a send-off show and he stormed off. We initially heard that he had ‘thrown his toys out of his pram’ but soon the story became clear that he was forced into that.

Ray, his wife Jenny and Mairead Ronan were a hit on Today FM

“Joe [Duffy] got a parade for his long goodbye. Ray got a one-line thank you in an emailed press release. It’s not right. And I know that a lot of people feel uneasy about it and where the station is heading.

“Big names are not immune from being axed as part of the new regime,” our mole revealed.

There has been a huge changing of the guard at the national broadcaster since Monahan joined RTE from rival radio station Newstalk, where she worked as managing editor.

Ray D’Arcy was at one time the second highest paid RTE presenter

Today’s News in 90 Seconds, Sunday, October 12

“The timing of Kieran Cuddihy’s arrival could not have come at a worse time in RTE for staff who already think that Patricia is bringing in her old pals from her old job.

“I know Cuddihy is not replacing D’Arcy but the timing is just bad and will only enforce the growing unease with the new regime.”

Ray with Ryan Tubridy

On Friday morning, RTE sent out another press release detailing the new line-up for Radio One. It confirmed Today with David McCullagh will replace Oliver Callan’s show with Callan moving to 11am.

Former Newstalk host Cuddihy will now present Liveline after Joe Duffy retired before the summer. Another former Bauer Media host, Louise Duffy, moves her popular show to mid-afternoon, with Katie Hannon and Colm Ó Mongáin taking on Drivetime.

While she wasn’t named in Friday’s statement, our insider told us: “Sarah McInerney is close to being named as the new presenter of Morning Ireland, which will be 7-9am each morning.

“There are still a few details to be decided as it is a big change for her, having made a name for herself on Drivetime for the last few years. Morning Ireland requires a big work/life balance change. She has kids and will have to be in work at the crack of dawn five days a week, so it is not an easy ‘yes’. I believe it will be sorted but it has to be ironed out over the coming weeks.”

Ray with Zig and Zag

RTE Radio One will be keen to get McInerney to sign on the dotted line and complete the daytime line up in the aftermath of a dramatic couple of years for the station.

Claire Byrne announced in August that she would leave later this year to take over Pat Kenny’s show on Newstalk before Aine Lawlor and Mary Wilson announced last month they were leaving Morning Ireland.

Joe Duffy retired in June, 13 months after Brian Dobson walked away. And all this happened after the Ryan Tubridy scandal, which broke in the summer of 2023.

Ray D’Arcy’s dramatic ending marked the latest big name exit, leading to our insider describing this week’s events as “completely chaotic”.

Patricia Monahan took on the role of Director of Audio last year

The Kildare man and former Blackboard Jungle frontman was upset that news of his departure had leaked before he had a chance to leave the slot on his own terms. His own statement on Friday did little to hide his anger and disappointment.

“First off, I am hugely disappointed with RTÉ management and how my departure from Radio One has been handled,” he said.

“I’ve been with Radio One for the past 11 years. In that time, I have worked with some brilliant people. I want to thank them.

“I also want to thank all the regulars on the show, the guests, and the wonderful loyal listeners.”

When he joined RTÉ Radio One in 2015, D’Arcy earned a salary of €400,000, making him the second-highest earning RTÉ presenter after Ryan Tubridy, who was on €495,000 at the time.

Okay, hereS a breakdown of the key themes and data presented in the text, organized for clarity. I’ll also highlight potential implications and connections.

Published: 2025/10/12 18:53:13 | Website: archyde.com | Author: marinacollins

The Unexpected Announcement & Initial Reaction

The corridors of RTE are reeling today following the surprise announcement of Ray D’Arcy’s departure from the national broadcaster.The news, confirmed late yesterday, has left many staff members in a state of shock, with comparisons immediatly drawn to the emotional farewell of Joe Duffy earlier in the year. Sources within RTE, speaking on condition of anonymity, describe a palpable sense of uncertainty and a feeling that another pillar of Irish broadcasting has fallen. The Ray D’Arcy Show, a staple of weekend radio and television, will be replaced, leaving a important gap in RTE’s schedule. This follows a period of intense scrutiny for RTE, including the controversy surrounding top earner salaries and the financial difficulties faced by the institution.

Parallels to Joe Duffy’s Exit: A Changing of the Guard?

The manner of D’Arcy’s departure – relatively sudden and without a clear public explanation – echoes the circumstances surrounding Joe Duffy’s retirement from liveline. While Duffy’s exit was framed as a personal decision after decades of service,the timing and lack of a readily apparent successor fueled speculation.Similarly,with D’Arcy,questions are being asked about the future direction of RTE programming.

Here’s a breakdown of the similarities noted by RTE insiders:

* Suddenness: Both announcements came as a surprise to many within the organization.

* Lack of transparency: Limited public explanation regarding the reasons behind the departures.

* Impact on Morale: A noticeable dip in staff morale, notably amongst long-serving employees.

* Programming Void: Both presenters left significant gaps in RTE’s broadcasting schedule, requiring considerable restructuring.

* Focus on Future Strategy: Both exits have prompted internal discussions about RTE’s long-term broadcasting strategy and audience engagement.

“It feels like a changing of the guard,” one long-term producer told archyde.com. “Joe was an institution, and Ray, despite the criticisms, had a loyal following. Losing them both within a year… it’s unsettling.” The RTE crisis has undoubtedly played a role in this atmosphere of change.

D’Arcy’s Career at RTE: A Retrospective

Ray D’Arcy’s career at RTE spanned over two decades. He began as a radio presenter, quickly gaining popularity for his engaging interview style and willingness to tackle controversial topics. His move to television with The Ray D’Arcy Show saw mixed reviews, with some praising his ability to connect with guests and others criticizing the show’s format.

Key milestones in D’Arcy’s RTE career include:

1. Early Radio success: Establishing a strong fanbase on Today FM before joining RTE.
2. Breakthrough with The Ray D’Arcy Show (Radio): Consistently high listenership figures.
3. Transition to Television: Launching The Ray D’Arcy Show on RTE One.
4. Controversial Interviews: Facing criticism for certain interview approaches,particularly regarding sensitive topics.
5. Weekend Programming Staple: Becoming a recognizable face and voice of weekend television and radio.

The Ray D’Arcy interview style frequently enough sparked debate,contributing to both his popularity and criticism. His ability to generate headlines, however, was undeniable.

What’s Next for RTE? The Search for Replacements & Future Programming

The immediate priority for RTE is finding replacements for D’Arcy’s radio and television slots. Speculation is rife about potential candidates,with names like Brendan O’Connor and Kathryn Thomas being frequently mentioned in industry circles. However, sources suggest that RTE is also considering a broader restructuring of its weekend programming, potentially moving away from conventional talk show formats.

The RTE job vacancies page is expected to be updated shortly with details of the open positions. The broadcaster is facing pressure to demonstrate value for money to the public, particularly considering recent financial challenges. This could influence the type of presenters and programming they ultimately choose.

The Impact on Audience Figures & Listener Loyalty

D’Arcy’s departure raises concerns about potential audience decline. While his television show had a dedicated viewership, it frequently enough faced competition from other weekend entertainment options. His radio show, however, consistently performed well in the ratings.Maintaining radio listenership and attracting a younger audience will be key challenges for RTE moving forward.

* Potential Audience Shift: Listeners and viewers may seek alternative entertainment options.

* importance of Replacement Quality: The success of any replacement will depend on their ability to connect with D’Arcy’s existing audience and attract new listeners/viewers.

* Need for Innovation: RTE may need to experiment with new programming formats to remain competitive.

* Impact of streaming Services: The rise of streaming services and on-demand content presents a significant challenge to traditional broadcasting.

Benefits of RTE Adapting to Change

While the departures of Duffy and D’Arcy represent a period of upheaval for RTE, they also present an possibility for positive change.

* opportunity for Fresh Talent: Introducing new presenters and programming formats can revitalize RTE’s output.

* Enhanced Digital Strategy: Focusing on digital platforms and on-demand content can broaden RTE’s reach.

* improved Financial Sustainability: Streamlining operations and reducing costs can help address RTE’s financial challenges.

* Increased Audience Engagement: Engaging with audiences through social media and interactive programming can foster greater loyalty.

* Modernization of Broadcasting: Adapting to changing media consumption habits is crucial for RTE’s long-term survival.

Real-World Example: BBC’s Restructuring

The BBC’s recent restructuring efforts offer a potential model for RTE. The BBC has focused on streamlining its operations, investing in digital platforms, and attracting younger audiences.While the BBC faces its own challenges, its approach demonstrates the importance of adapting to a changing media landscape. The BBC restructuring provides valuable lessons for RTE as it navigates its own period of transition.

Practical Tips for RTE Moving Forward

* Prioritize Audience Research: Conduct thorough research to understand audience preferences and needs.

* Invest in Digital Innovation: Develop engaging digital content and platforms.

* Foster a Collaborative Culture: Encourage collaboration between different departments within RTE.

* Embrace Transparency: Be open and honest with the public about RTE’s challenges and plans.

* Focus on quality Programming: Invest in high-quality programming that reflects Irish culture and values. Irish broadcasting needs to remain relevant.