After four decades broadcaster Pat Kenny brings his time at RTÉ to an end.
RTÉ has confirmed that Pat Kenny will not be renewing his contract and was leaving the national broadcaster with immediate effect.
For many, he was the voice and face of RTÉ, ever-present with high profile TV and radio programmes.
Pat Kenny will be join Newstalk radio to present a mid-morning programme. He said that although RTÉ made him a very generous offer to continue after careful consideration, he decided to make a change.
In recent years, the size of Pat Kenny's salary at RTÉ became a subject of much scrutiny and controversy.
In 2008, it was just over €950,000. Two years ago, he was paid €630,000. This at a time when RTÉ was attempting to reduce its deficit.
The Director General of RTÉ Noel Curran refused to be drawn on whether the issue of pay was the stumbling block to a new contract. Noel Curran said that while Pat Kenny leaving is a loss, it is time for RTÉ to move forward.
Kevin Rafter, lecturer in Politics and Media at DCU, believes that the move is a real advantage to Newstalk over RTÉ Radio 1. Advertisers will be watching audience figures to see if Pat Kenny can bring his listeners with him.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 31 July 2013. The reporter is Conor Hunt.
