Noel Curran stepping down as RTE DG

The Cush

Dee Forbes takes up the position of RTÉ DG on Monday 10th July, according to an article in the Irish Times in a report on the departure of Glen Killane, Head of Television to eir as MD of Eir TV and Eir Sport

http://www.irishtimes.com/business/media-and-marketing/rt%C3%A9-television-boss-glen-killane-leaves-for-eir-1.2713708

Elmo

The Cush wrote: »

Dee Forbes takes up the position of RTÉ DG on Monday 10th July, according to an article in the Irish Times in a report on the departure of Glen Killane, Head of Television to eir as MD of Eir TV and Eir Sport

http://www.irishtimes.com/business/media-and-marketing/rt%C3%A9-television-boss-glen-killane-leaves-for-eir-1.2713708

I though she started 2 weeks ago.

The journalist is making a fact of her suggested DG applicants, rather than confirming that any actually applied.

The Cush

Dee Forbes officially started as director general of RTE yesterday

Although she has been in and out of Montrose for weeks, Dee Forbes officially started as director general of RTE today and has already set out her main aim – to future-proof the state broadcaster.

In an e-mail to staff, Forbes said she was “thrilled and excited” to be at RTE, adding that she planned to meet as many of them as a possible in the coming days and weeks as she gets to know more about them and the business.

“My visits in recent months have confirmed what I always believed – this is a very special place. RTÉ is a fantastic organisation with two great strengths: its enormously talented people and its unique place in Irish life,” she said.

In her most recent role, Forbes was president and managing director of Discovery Networks Northern Europe. There, she managed 27 TV brands in 18 markets, reaching more than 270 million households every month across Europe.

Before joining Discovery, Forbes led Turner Broadcasting’s business in Britain and Ireland, which consisted of seven entertainment channels, including Cartoon Network, Boomerang and TCM.

In the e-mail, she said: “My aim is to work with you to future-proof the organisation to cope with the changes our industry is facing whilst ensuring that RTÉ is a beacon of creativity at home and abroad.”

She said staff had much to be proud of, include the recent RTÉ Investigates programme on Console, trophies from the recent Justice Media Awards and New York Festivals, as well as RTÉ’s sports coverage of the Euros in France and the GAA Championship, children’s and Irish-language programmes, its orchestras, and generally the role played by RTÉ in the cultural life of the nation.

“As an Irishwoman who has spent 27 years back and forth to Ireland, RTÉ has been one of the great constants. In an ever-changing world, the role of RTÉ in Irish society is more important than ever. We cannot assume our place in people’s affections. It was won by you and the people who went before you and, in a very fragmented world, we have to keep earning that role,” she said.

The state broadcaster faces many challenges, she said, adding that public funding and legislative reform were of critical importance. Forbes will work with the RTÉ Executive and Board “to push for positive outcomes for RTÉ, the creative sector as a whole and most of all, our audiences”, she said.

As a dual-funded public service media, RTE has a huge opportunity to revolutionise how it distributes its programming and content, organises itself and generates the income necessary to develop and fund its public services, she said.

She said that she was “committed to giving everything to this important role as we begin a new chapter in the history of this extraordinary organisation and I look forward to meeting all of you and to working with you to shape our future.”

She also wished Glen Killane luck in his new role. Killane, the former managing director of RTÉ Television stepped down last week to join Eir sport.

Forbes is the first woman appointed as director general at RTÉ, and first external appointee at this level since businessman Kevin McCourt took the role in 1963.

http://www.businesspost.ie/new-dg-says-main-aim-to-future-proof-rte/

galtee boy

Coincidence probably, but her first improvement is Fair City in full HD from Thursday as distinct from upscaled all along.

Elmo

Dermot Horan takes over from Glen Killane. former Head of Acquisitions and Broadcast, good choice IMO.

Elmo

Bakhurst to OfCom.

Cliff Walker

Must be fed up after not getting the dg job.

Elmo

Cliff Walker wrote: »

Must be fed up after not getting the dg job.

Good. A manager supposed to bring a some editorial control in an organisation rife in group think, from a high editorial position in another company hiding their so-called "stars" from embarrassment.

Is that cryptic enough?

The Cush

Elmo wrote: »

Bakhurst to OfCom.

He will become Ofcom’s content group director to oversee its content and media policy.

All part of the prep work in Ofcom to assume the duties of the BBC Trust in regulating the BBC from next April.

Recent reports indicated that Ofcom may not be ready in time to assume responsibility.

http://media.ofcom.org.uk/news/2016/kevin-bakhurst/?utm_source=updates&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=kevin-bakhurst

The Cush

Managing Director, RTÉ News & Current Affairs Vacancy

8 August 2016: RTÉ is seeking to fill the role of Managing Director, RTÉ News & Current Affairs.

As Ireland’s national public service media, RTÉ provides independent news and current affairs content across multiple platforms.

RTÉ is now seeking to fill the role of: MANAGING DIRECTOR, RTÉ NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

One of the most senior editorial and management positions in Irish media, the post requires an exceptional leader with proven editorial judgement and senior level experience in managing significant financial, human and technical resources, as well as a passion for public service media, experience in broadcasting and digital media, and a clear understanding of Ireland’s politics, culture and history.

Reporting to the Director-General and as a member of the RTÉ Executive Board, the Managing Director will be central to the future development of the organisation and its staff, maintaining and enhancing editorial standards, leading through a period of unprecedented change in audience consumption and communicating externally RTÉ’s core public purpose and journalistic values.

To apply, please write, in strictest confidence, stating how you meet the above requirements and quoting reference "MD News" to:

MERC Partners, 11/12 Richview Office Park, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14. Email: info@merc.ie

RTÉ is an equal opportunities employer.

http://www.rte.ie/about/en/working-with-rte/2016/0810/808271-vacancy-managing-director-rte-news-current-affairs/

https://twitter.com/rte/status/763129066870468608


Miriam O’Callaghan’s husband Steve Carson is being tipped to take over as managing director of RTE news and current affairs following the departure of Kevin Bakhurst - http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/steve-carson-tipped-for-top-rte-job-34944859.html

Three other senior vacancies at RTÉ - http://www.independent.ie/business/media/new-rt-boss-tries-to-boost-morale-as-exodus-continues-34937415.html
- Managing Director of Television Glen Killane is moving to eir
- RTÉ2 Channel Controller Bill Malone is joining TV3
- Deputy MD of RTE News and Current Affairs Michael Good retired at the end of June

Elmo

The Cush wrote: »

Miriam O’Callaghan’s husband Steve Carson is being tipped to take over as managing director of RTE news and current affairs following the departure of Kevin Bakhurst

Three other senior vacancies at RTÉ -
- Managing Director of Television Glen Killane is moving to eir
- RTÉ2 Channel Controller Bill Malone is joining TV3
- Deputy MD of RTE News and Current Affairs Michael Good retired at the end of June

I could see Steve Carson going for MD of TV but money will take him to MD of News.

RTÉ2 Channel Controller isn't that senior.

Elmo

Have to say Dee Forbes has been a disappointment. She seems intent on retaining the status quo. While she's meeting with politician, RTÉ is supposed to be apolitical when it comes to funding/views. Really reform of the licence fee would take its control away from the politicians. It will be interesting to see if she meets with any other politicians before the end of the year.

Elmo

Looks like head of news at newstalk might be next head of news at RTÉ. Garrett Harte exited newstalk during the week.

The Cush

Announced today, he has been Managing Editor, International News, at ABC News in New York since March 2013, previously worked at the BBC and ITN. He takes up his position in the new year.

Kevin Bakhurst left RTE at the end of October and the position will be filled in the interim by Hilary McGouran, Managing Editor, Television News

http://www.rte.ie/about/en/press-office/press-releases/2016/1111/830860-jon-williams-announced-as-new-managing-director-rte-news-and-cur/

expectationlost

The Cush wrote: »

Announced today, he has been Managing Editor, International News, at ABC News in New York since March 2013, previously worked at the BBC and ITN. He takes up his position in the new year.

Kevin Bakhurst left RTE at the end of October and the position will be filled in the interim by Hilary McGouran, Managing Editor, Television News

http://www.rte.ie/about/en/press-office/press-releases/2016/1111/830860-jon-williams-announced-as-new-managing-director-rte-news-and-cur/

why would he want to become head of RTE?

Elmo

expectationlost wrote: »

why would he want to become head of RTE?

I assume to be closer to home and that we over pay our executives at almost all companies.

Bakhurst got a sweet deal AFAIK he was able to expense his trips home and he seemed to demand the Deputy DG title, which had been vacant for a number of years and I assume it came with a bump in pay. I be very surprised if he didn't head to OfCom purely because he didn't get to be DG.