Presenters No Longer Top Earners at RTÉ, Who's in the Top Ten?

Top Earners at RTÉ: Management Outpaces Presenters

The most recognizable faces on RTÉ might be the ones that come to mind when thinking about the highest-paid individuals at the national broadcaster. However, recent revelations show that the senior management team is actually earning more than the well-known presenters.

According to the Independent, several key figures in RTÉ’s leadership have secured spots in the top earners list. These include General Kevin Bakhurst, Deputy Director-General Adrian Lynch, Chief Technology Officer Richard Waghorn, Director of News and Current Affairs Deirdre McCarthy, and Director of Human Resources Eimear Cusack. Their salaries surpass those of many on-air personalities, challenging the common perception among viewers.

Joe Duffy stands out as the only presenter who earns more than the management team. Through his company, Claddaghgreen Limited, he received €351,000, making him the highest earner in RTÉ. This figure highlights the significant financial compensation that some presenters receive, especially through their own business ventures.

Following closely behind Duffy is Kevin Bakhurst, who earns a salary of €339,954. The rest of the directors are paid between €290,000 and €280,000, with Eimear Cusack being the exception at €274,694. These figures reflect the substantial pay scale within RTÉ's upper echelons.

Claire Byrne is the first presenter to break the management dominance on the list, securing the sixth position. She earned €280,000 through her firm, Derrough Media Limited, in 2024. However, she is set to leave RTÉ and return to Newstalk in the New Year, marking a potential shift in the station’s lineup.

Patrick Kielty, the host of The Late Late Show, also earns a considerable amount. He was paid €255,657 through his company, Pamanco Ireland Limited, placing him eighth on the list. It's worth noting that he did not receive an additional €50,000 in travel expenses, meaning he will cover his own travel costs from Donnybrook to his London home.

Miriam O’Callaghan comes in ninth with a salary of €246,708 through her company, Baby Blue Productions Limited. Meanwhile, Brendan O’Connor ranks tenth with €244,099 from BOC Communications Limited.

Kevin Bakhurst has implemented a policy that no one at RTÉ will earn more than him. This decision is part of efforts to address past payment scandals and restore public trust in the organization.

Some familiar faces will not appear on this year’s list of top 10 earners, signaling a potential change in the landscape of RTÉ’s compensation structure. The future of the station’s earnings list remains uncertain, but it is clear that the balance of power and pay is shifting.

• Key figures in RTÉ's management team earn more than top presenters
• Joe Duffy is the highest earner with €351,000
• Kevin Bakhurst leads the management team with €339,954
• Claire Byrne is the highest-ranking presenter at sixth place
• Patrick Kielty earns €255,657 but does not receive extra travel expenses
• Miriam O’Callaghan and Brendan O’Connor complete the top ten
• Kevin Bakhurst’s policy ensures no one earns more than him
• Some well-known presenters may not appear on next year’s list