It looks like Joe Duffy could be set to leave RTÉ next year as the station’s Director General confirms the host has not asked for a new contract.
The popular radio host has reportedly told Kevin Bakhurst that he will not be seeking a new contract for his services as a contractor through his company Claddaghgreen Ltd with the station next year.
This comes following the news that Mr. Bakhurst intends to clamp down on huge salaries for top earners.
It is understood that Joe’s contract – which earns him a salary of €351,000 and is the second highest paid at the station – is up in the middle of next year.
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Adding: “You have to ask him. I don’t want to start talking out of school.”
When asked by the publication what Joe’s future plans were at the station, Joe said that while he had nothing to add to Mr. Bakhurst’s comments, he said on air last June to listeners that it would be more than likely his last time he will negotiate with RTÉ.
“The way I look at it is my negotiations in 2019 which will go on now to 2025 are more than likely the last time I’ll be negotiating with RTÉ, unless God decides otherwise or RTÉ decides otherwise.”
Joe has been with the station since 1989, having started out as a producer.
In 2016, he previously revealed he had lengthy negotiations with Newstalk at the time but said he turned down a “much greater” offer than his current salary at the State broadcaster.
His reasoning?
“I believe in RTÉ [and] I believe in public service,” he shared.
