New RTE turmoil as 2FM staff ‘livid’ at new talent ad after big-name exodus

2FM staff are ‘livid’ over a public call out from RTE for new talent to replace departed hosts Doireann Garrihy, Jennifer Zamparelli and The 2 Johnnies.

Insiders say staff on the station got no prior warning about the shout-out, via the station’s Instagram, that “RTE 2FM has presenting roles available, in single or double header roles”.

6

6

The insider told The Irish Sun: “This appears to be an attempt by RTE to be transparent about their hiring process for 2FM following all the talk about secret meetings between management and TikTokers off site.

“But it seems like a slap in the face to staff to make the call out so public. It’s an open audition.

“Every Tom, Dick and Harry in the country will be applying to present on 2FM now regardless of their radio experience.

“How are they going to get through all these applicants? Can you imagine the hiring process.”

Sources say this week’s call out for on-air talent indicates that 2FM are some way off finding new stars to replace the exodus of big-names in recent weeks.

The insider told us: “By the looks of these auditions, 2FM won’t have a permanent schedule for a very long time. It also seems like all the slots are up for grabs.”

But one senior industry source questioned whether the RTE ad was “civil service box-ticking”.

They told us: “RTE can’t be seen to hiring TikTokers and social media stars without the jobs being made public first. Like any job in the civil service, they have to be seen to have advertised these roles before they confirm their new talent.”

RTE decided to hold off announcing a new schedule on 2FM until the end of the summer after uproar from existing presenters raging at being axed just weeks after they were presented as the faces of the new summer schedule.

RTE bosses issued a grovelling apology to Lottie Ryan after we revealed she felt “devastated” and “used” by radio chiefs who made it appear she was being given The 2 Johnnies’ Drivetime slot.

But instead it has transpired that she will be gone from the show this Friday with TikTok star Kayleigh Trappe tipped to get the slot permanently.

However, insiders say the 3pm to 6pm slot on 2FM, which attracted 151,000 listeners each day with The 2 Johnnies, will continue over the summer as a plain music show until comedian Kayleigh is confirmed in September.

An insider told The Irish Sun: “Management wants everyone to shut up and play more music on 2FM. You can see that change most of all on Laura Fox’s show at 9am.

“Her predecessor Jennifer Zamparelli talked more and discussed issues. Laura now plays more music which is what they wanted. She’s safe as regards all these changes as the host of Ireland’s Fittest Family.”

The call for new presenters for 2FM, was posted on the station Instagram account which linked to a page on the RTE website.

Host ad

It read: “RTE is seeking expressions of interest in presenting single or double header roles on RTE 2fm.

“RTE 2FM’s primary purpose is to provide relevant speech, music, entertainment and sports programming for younger audiences. We are creating a long list of presenters – refreshed every two years who would appeal to a 15–34-year-old audience.

“When a presenting role becomes available a shortlist will be created from the long list using a weighted criteria.

“RTE 2FM is committed to providing feedback at the shortlisting stage. Piloting may be required when making final selections for the schedule. As RTE 2FM has presenting roles available, we invite you to express your interest.

“If you believe you have the personality, experience and skill set to present music and entertainment programmes for younger audiences and love music then email, 2fmexpressionsofinterest@rte.ie.”

6

6

6