The head of RTÉ 2FM, Dan Healy, has denied that new RTÉ rules are the cause of mass exits from the station.
Jennifer Zamparelli confirmed she was leaving the station on Thursday evening, following the exit announcements of Doireann Garrihy and The 2 Johnnies.
This lead many to wonder if recent rule changes within the broadcaster are the reason why four of the station’s top stars have left.
All four of the stars have successful careers outside of their work at the station, and would have been affected by new rules governing RTÉ employees.
Last month, RTÉ launched a new Register of Gifts, which will require employees to declare any gifts they receive that are above a certain value.
Staff must complete a form detailing any gift with a realistic value between €50 and €100.
Another form launched asks staff to declare a conflict of interest when a situation arises that “may influence, or be seen by a reasonable person to influence, a staff member in their work for RTÉ.”
At the time, RTÉ’s Director General Kevin Bakhurst said: “Declaring a conflict or potential conflict does not mean you will not be able to fulfil your work in RTÉ, nor will it harm your career prospects in any way.”
“It is merely designed to ensure RTÉ is aware of any conflicts or potential conflicts and can manage the situation appropriately.”
These steps are part of its internal governance review and efforts to drive change across the company.
A Register of Interests and a Register of External Activities were launched for its staff in January this year
During a fiery debate with Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio 1 today, Dan discussed the recent departures and said: “It’s amazing that 2FM is on the front page of every newspaper this morning, it shows that 2FM matters to the audience.”
But Claire argued: “Not for the right reasons, people are asking if 2FM should be closed down.”
He responded, frustrated: “Of course it shouldn’t be closed down, why would it? Would you ask that question of BBC Radio One? No, you would not…”
“To go from people leaving the station to closing it down is nuts.”
Dan was then asked about the rule change for RTÉ stars and if that was a factor in 2FM losing talent.
He responded: “We can work with people who are high-profile who bring huge audiences in.”
He argued that The 2 Johnnies “were never ours”, with them already having a following before they started working for the station.
“Those lads are on a stunning journey, but not ours. They came in and did a stunning job. But they’ll move on. Doireann Garrihy, also fantastic,” he admitted.
“The reality is it’s nuanced – it played a role to an extent but it’s not the reason.”
On finding replacements for the station’s top stars, the radio boss said: “We are going to be looking for expression of interest for presenters for 2FM.”
Claire said: “But you’re going to be saying to them if you come and work here you are subject to a salary cap, will have to seek permission for all external activities and tell me how much you are getting paid for those activities.”
“You will also have to sign a register of interest – it’s not a great sell, is it?”
Dan stated, “It’s not about RTE and politicians, it’s about the audience,” refusing to answer if the rule change has become an issue at the station.
“This is exciting. I’m sorry they’re gone – but it’s not about politicians and RTÉ, it’s about the audience and my job is to serve the audience,” he added.
During his appearance on Claire Byrne’s show, the 2FM boss also confirmed Laura Fox as Jennifer’s official replacement in the 9-12pm slot on weekdays.
Replacements are yet to be announced for Doireann Garrihy and The 2 Johnnies.
