Bryan Dobson has called on his former RTÉ boss Dee Forbes to speak out on the broadcaster’s infamous payments scandal “if she feels up to it”.
The veteran newsreader officially retired from RTÉ on Friday, after 37 years with the station.
In June 2023, the broadcaster was plunged into chaos when it was revealed that Ryan Tubridy’s earnings were publicly understated by €345,000 over the last six years.
The issue was identified during a routine audit of RTÉ’s 2022 accounts, prompting an independent review of the matter.
Since then, the broadcaster’s finances have been under the microscope by both the Government and the general public.
Losses on the likes of the Toy Show Musical stage production caused uproar, as well as the lucrative exit packages for senior members of management.
In a new interview with the Irish Independent about his retirement, Bryan commented on the ongoing scandal surrounding RTÉ.
He said: “There was lots of stuff that was just jaw-dropping. A lot of people who work every day here, and do the best job they can, felt very let down by some of what we heard.”
However, Bryan continued: “I’m actually very hopeful for the future of RTÉ. It’s certainly been a very difficult period. But I think maybe you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I hope I’m right on that.
“I think it’s important at some point that a line is drawn to this. I would never have thought a year ago that we’d still be discussing it in the spring and summer of 2024.”
Speaking about the station’s new Director General Kevin Bakhurst, he said: “I thank the man above he’s in the position he’s in. He’s very direct. He’s methodical… he’s definitely one of the reasons why I would be hopeful [for the future].”
When asked to share his thoughts on the previous DG, Dee Forbes, Bryan said he is “very hesitant” to pass judgment.
“Because she [Forbes] was facing, as anybody in that role does, all sorts of challenges, all sorts of difficult decisions,” he explained.
Since the scandal broke, Ms Forbes has been unable to attend Oireachtas committee meetings due to ill health, and its unknown if she will ever go on the public record about what really happened.
Bryan added: “I think, if her health allowed, it would be helpful to understand more about what happened if she could come forward and speak in some way to give evidence.
“Let’s hear her side of the story — if she feels up to it.”
And while Bryan said he was hesitant to pass judgement, he pointed out that: “It’s a truism to say if you’re the boss, the buck stops with you”.
