RTÉ admits paying Tubridy €345,000 more than declared

Exactly. Surely the BBC and major US networks are clamouring for him to grace them with his services.

Maybe now he can present the Oscars?

RT quick to speak out before but now not a word outta him

Maybe Ryan can start podcasts giving moral lectures to the Irish ppl?

He is well versed at speaking on behalf of the nation from on high and “telling off” his audience..

He is “the most trusted man in Ireland” after all...

Brendan O Connor is now a pale imitation of what he once was as a broadcaster. His chatshow was a breadth of fresh air. THE Cutting edge was brilliant but since he replaced St Marian he has become a total insider, toeing the party line at all times.

Obviously a man who knows that RTE is the last chance saloon in irish media, so just keep the head down and don't rock the boat

Another idea for Noel and Ryan -

“Toyman: the Musical”

Such is the popularity of Ryan with Irish children, and of course his special bond with them -

Croke Park should be block booked for the month of December for what is sure to be a hugely popular and successful musical featuring the golden tones of none other than the Toyman - Ryan Tubridy.

A key point to always bear in mind is the fact that Tubridy doesn’t actually think he’s done anything wrong. Lying about Renault payments etc. He believes this is “cancel culture” and a “witch-hunt”.

This is evident in his inability to convey any kind of accountability or contrition and it’s the reason he’s been kicked to the curb. He will never be able to fully accept this. It’s a real insight into his off air persona.

KB said the door wasn't fully shut. that's diff to saying the door is open. Think €170K was about right. Seems From this morning's KB interview, they didn't dwell on the past in the future negotiations, but that each should accept their responsibility and by issuing the statement RT hadn't really accepted that position. It's also clear that he didn't take on board that a significant section of RTE staff didn't want him back, which says a lot.

Also that €170K now is the benchmark in all future contract negotiations within RTE. The other nine top earners I'm sure are very thankful to RT for their wage adjustment. Willing to accept less than half his previous wage, which was already reduced from the mad levels of 10 years ago, says a lot.

This realism may be one element in saving RTE and PBS.

I agree with your view on the Backhurst comments.

I especially noted his response when asked about Tubridy going to other broadcasting outlets, he indicated that Tubridy was free to go ahead and accept any offers incoming,and did not show too much concern.

And how did PK deal with it? He didn't open his mouth. No public statements, no taking to twitter. He has been quiet all summer long. Not seen nor heard from.

One might even say he was "self aware".

Let’s just say for arguments sake that Ryan was coming back on Sept 4 and think of the likely effects.

1. No way would he have the same audience as before. I’d image 1/3 of his audience will turn the dial. Maybe even more. Almost certainly less than what Callan currently draws.
2. Any kind of public facing messaging about internal reform to restore licence fee would face a far steeper uphill battle.
3. Resentment amongst staff would remain and impact morale, productivity etc.

Is Tubridys crazy talent really worth all the above?

It’s often the case when people get things too easy , too young, they don’t realise how good they have it and don’t appreciate how fortunate they are. Plenty of smoke being blown up not helping either. Retiring from the LLS at 50 and getting paid to go on holidays was to be the future. The final show was tacky, the obligatory U2 appearance, for what? , to get a pressie. Some fall in fairness.

He avoided or rather side stepped a question on morning Ireland around Tubridy returning in the future- I know he doesn’t want to get caught up on when he thinks the right time will be because then the speculation will start so correct to say nothing, no less that it would make his current decision look like just a total farce.

I think you and the other poster are right though- he doesn’t want Tubridy back and I don’t think we’ll see Tubridy back under this DG.

And that might be the making of Tubridy who knows- I think he’ll make some great documentaries on Irish History with independent media companies and sell them to RTÉ and BBC NI and be very successful doing that - I’d say he had planned to do that with RTÉ but that train has now left the station.

From a radio perspective, I’m thinking some sort of Arts show type programme like what Mike Murphy used to do -maybe on Newstalk- not the worst thing in the world and it would get a daycent following but wouldn’t be paying anything close to 170k a year.

Tubridy is not nor was ever suited to current affairs - Pat Kenny is probably the master of current affairs and Tubridy is no Pat Kenny.

Tubridy developed this strange “be kind” sort of persona that was just sounded pathetic and preachy after a while - I think he needs to reverse out of this cul de sac and start again down a different road- he has time to do that but I just can’t think right now what his USP would be that would make him attractive to another tv or radio station - he’ll get offers but he needs to take the right one.

I’d agree with newcavanman though in that he doesn’t display the sharpness and wit that made him attractive to audiences in the past- he showed RTÉ that you could do a successful show without demanding nearly a million quid a year and I’d say that put a few noses out of joint- all of us (I don’t think there was one exception from the regular contributors) on the TV forum were in disbelief when Brendan’s Saturday night show got canned- it far out punched the LLS.

Brendan hasn’t really been the same since- he had his 15 minutes in the big spotlight- I don’t think he blew it- on the contrary I think he was a victim of his own success and talent and showed up other highly more paid presenters as being overinflated talentless bores.

He developed the “be kind” facade not out of choice but necessity. He isn’t funny nor good looking so he needed something to hook the public with.

Someone with charm and wit and who was more irreverent and bolshy like Gerry Ryan would have weathered this storm. Ryan’s brittle “be kind” veneer is completely at odds with how he actually behaved.

I really do think his days as a top draw at RTE are numbered.