RTÉ boss Kevin Bakhurst has revealed how presenters have reacted to proposed pay cuts.
RTÉ was plunged into chaos earlier this summer when it was revealed that Ryan Tubridy’s earnings had been 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 by auditing organisation Grant Thornton.
Amid the ongoing payments scandal, the pay of other top earning RTÉ presenters has been scrutinised.
Brand deals between RTÉ talent and other companies have also been subject to intense scrutiny ever since the scandal headlines in June.
While the deals are separate to RTÉ contracts, it’s understood they have to be approved by a line manager at the state broadcaster.
RTÉ are set to review the pay of its highest earning presenters, and introduce pay cuts across the broadcaster.
Minister for Media Catherine Martin met with senior RTÉ executives on Friday ahead of another Grant Thornton report on the payments controversy.
The expected report will deal with RTÉ’s use of a “barter account”.
After meeting with Minister Martin, Mr Bakhurst was questioned as to how other presenters have reacted to conversations about salary reductions.
The RTÉ boss admitted it “varies depending on which presenter you’re talking to”.
