'It shouldn't be closed down' - Exodus of RTÉ 2FM presenters sparks debate over station future

Dan Healy, Head of RTÉ 2FM, has said the departures of some of the station's leading presenters does not signify a crisis but rather that their reasons were "nuanced", and ultimately, the station 'shouldn't be closed down'.

In a interview on RTÉ Radio 1 with Claire Byrne, Dan Healy, Head of RTÉ 2FM, addressed the significant departures of Doireann Garrihy, Jennifer Zamparelli, and the comedy duo The 2 Johnnies. 

During the interview, Mr Healy highlighted the prominence of RTÉ 2FM in Irish media, saying, "How amazing is it that a station like 2FM is on the front page of every paper today?" However, Ms Byrne quickly interrupted, saying the attention might not be for the right reasons, and many are questioning the station’s future after the exodus of such high-profile departures.

Ms Byrne pressed on whether the strict rules RTÉ are imposing regarding external activities of presenters played a role in their decisions to leave.

Mr Healy acknowledged that these regulations, which restrict external engagements and require disclosure of earnings from outside ventures, might have influenced their decisions but insisted it was not the sole reason.

All presenters leaving have high profiles and significant media careers outside of 2FM, from podcasts and comic shows, to concerts and TV broadcast roles.

Doireann Garrihy was first to announce her departure this May, followed by the 2 Johnnies. Jennifer Zamparelli's departure after 10 years on the station came this Thursday, and was a particular focal point, especially after Healy had previously denied her plans to leave, calling them "bullsh*t."

In response to the departures on Today With Claire Byrne, Healy announced that Laura Fox would replace Zamparelli, allowing the station to evolve and attract new talent.

Ms Byrne questioned whether the restrictive policies on external activities would deter potential new talent, but Mr Healy remained optimistic, suggesting that the structure could still attract high-profile talent willing to adhere to RTÉ's rules. "I have one person I'm really interested in for a while, a couple of years, watching this person develop," Healy noted, saying the departures leave it open for up-and-coming content creators to join the station.

Ms Byrne asked of the future of the station, saying: "People are asking should it be closed down?" To which Mr Healy replied: "Of course it shouldn't be closed down. I mean, why would you close it down? Would you ask that question clear of BBC Radio 1? No, you would not."

Despite Ms Byrne's questions about potential drops in audience numbers and the challenge of replacing such popular figures, Mr Healy said the station’s focus on the 15-34 demographic.

He added that 2FM’s mission is to remain relevant and continue providing high-quality content that resonates with young listeners.