Kenny leaving RTE for Newstalk; Dunne remains key to station
Newstalk have confirmed that Pat Kenny is joining the station as presenter of its new mid-morning show.
The broadcaster, 65, joins Newstalk following a 41-year career in RTÉ Radio and Television where he has presented flagship programmes such as The Late Late Show, Prime Time, Today tonight and his long running radio programme, Today with Pat Kenny.
He will host a current affairs magazine show on Newstalk 106 – 108 fm every weekday from 10am - 12.30pm starting on September 2.
A Newstalk spokesperson has confirmed that Tom Dunne will remain at the station despite Kenny taking over his current 10am to 12pm slot.
The spokesperson said Dunne "absolutely remains a key member of the Newstalk team".
RTÉ Director-General Noel Curran said: “Through lengthy negotiations every effort was made to retain Pat’s services but unfortunately we could not come to an agreement.”
Speaking about his move to the station Kenny said he's looking forward to the challenge, and the timing just felt right.
"If I was ever going to do it, now is the time," he said.
"There probably won't be an opportunity again to do something as dramatic as this."
Speaking about his new show he said it was a "blank canvas".
"I am under no illusions as to the task ahead - but that's what makes it exciting."
He also paid tribute to his "wonderful and talented" colleagues in RTÉ.
"They may no longer be my colleagues, but I hope they will always remain my friends," Mr Kenny said in a statement.
Mr Kenny's high salary had been the subject of much discussion in recent years given RTÉ's cost-cutting measures.
His salary was €630,000 in 2011, €729,604 in 2009 and €950,976 in 2008, RTÉ said.
Newstalk Station Editor Garrett Harte said: "Pat Kenny's arrival marks a significant milestone for Newstalk and reflects our long-term commitment to the development of independent radio, in Ireland."
