RTÉ Director of Strategy Rory Coveney has resigned ahead of new Director General Kevin Bakhurst’s first day on the job. 

In a statement issued by RTÉ, Mr Coveney said Mr Bakhurst has a “tough job ahead of him” and will require a “fresh team”. 

Mr Coveney has worked in RTÉ since 2007 in roles including Strategic Advisor to the Director General. 

Mr Bakhurst is expected to announce a series of significant changes to the management structure of RTÉ on his first day as Director General. 

There is growing speculation that certain senior executives will vacate their positions in light of recent scandals surrounding RTÉ finances. 

Mr Bakhurst said last week that “restoring trust of the audience, staff and politicians in RTÉ” is a top priority as Director General. 

He said the recent scandal has been “painful to watch” and his job is “repairing that”. 

07/07/2023. Dublin, Ireland. Pictured RTE incoming Director General,Kevin Bakhurst leaving RTE after meeting with NUJ Assistant General Secretary Seamus Dooley and union members. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said on Saturday Mr Bakhurst has “reassured” Government and it is important he outlines all “wider changes” planned for RTÉ. 

“[RTÉ] is a body that has been really at the centre of public service broadcasting now for many decades,” he said. “We're very keen to make sure that the outcome of all of this is that RTÉ survives.”

Changes to RTÉ

People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy says replacing personnel at the top in RTÉ is not the only thing that needs to change. 

“No presenter or anyone in RTÉ should be [making] more than €100,000 per year,” he said. “We need an end to the system of contractors which is done to facilitate people avoiding tax. 

“And we need an end to the commercial side of RTÉ.”