Claire Byrne Bids Farewell to Radio 1 After 15 Memorable Years with RTÉ
Claire Byrne, a prominent radio and television presenter at RTÉ, has officially completed her tenure with the national broadcaster. During her last broadcast on Radio 1, she reflected on her “15 wonderful years” at the station, stating it was “time to hand over the baton.”
Claire Byrne’s Reflection on Her RTÉ Journey
In her farewell remarks, Byrne expressed gratitude for the myriad opportunities she experienced while at RTÉ. “I’ve met the most inspiring people in this studio and in so many others over the years,” she noted. Her departure marked the end of a significant chapter in her career, underscoring the hard work and joy she found in her role.
Transition to Newstalk
Byrne’s exit follows her announcement in August regarding a move back to Newstalk. She excitedly shared plans to host a weekday morning show, replacing Pat Kenny, who is shifting to a weekend program. This transition back to Newstalk, where she began her career before joining RTÉ in 2010, signifies a pivotal moment for her professional journey.
Impact and Viewership
Taking over Sean O’Rourke’s slot in May 2020, Byrne leaves behind a notable audience of 354,000 listeners. In 2023, her salary was reported at €280,000, ranking her as the second-highest earner at RTÉ, trailing behind Joe Duffy.
- Claire Byrne’s 2023 salary: €280,000
- Joe Duffy’s salary: €351,000
- Audience for Byrne’s show: 354,000
Future Broadcasting Plans
With Radio 1 implementing new salary caps following the Ryan Tubridy controversy, Byrne’s future earnings at Newstalk may reflect significant changes. Details about financial incentives to draw her from RTÉ remain undisclosed.
As she concluded her last show, Byrne praised her talented team of producers and researchers, acknowledging their vital role in her success. She also thanked her listeners, recognizing their diverse reactions over the years.
Introducing David McCullagh
Taking over the morning slot from Byrne is David McCullagh, who is well-regarded as one of Ireland’s leading journalists. In her parting words, she confidently stated that he would “do an exceptional job” in the role. McCullagh, a reputable broadcaster and historian, will continue to cover various significant events for RTÉ News.
In closing, Claire Byrne’s departure from RTÉ marks the end of an era. As she embarks on this new chapter at Newstalk, fans and colleagues alike wish her well in her future endeavors.
