Clare Duignan, Managing Director, RT Radio, Leaves RT

Clare Duignan, Managing Director, RT Radio, Leaves RT Head of Radio 1 Jim Jennings to take up Acting Managing Director Role.

RT announced today that Clare Duignan has decided to leave RT and her role as Managing Director, RT Radio. Ms Duignan has not sought a renewal of her contract and will leave RT in June. Jim Jennings, Head of RT Radio 1, will take up an interim role as Managing Director for RT Radio.

Speaking today, Ms Duignan said: Making the decision to leave RT is one of the hardest things I have ever done. I have a huge commitment to RT , to its people and what it stands for. But I now want to make the space to pursue the many other opportunities which are available to me and which I have had to let pass up to now. It's an exciting chance to move into the next chapter of my career and I look forward to contributing to new areas of work with the same energy and commitment which I have always brought to my various roles in RT .

Speaking of Ms Duignan's decision Noel Curran, Director General, said: Clare Duignan has been a key figure in RT . She spearheaded the development of the Independent Production Unit in RT Television, where her contribution was industry-changing. As Director of Programmes, Television, and subsequently as MD of RT Radio, she has been a passionate advocate for the public service, and has placed the public service ethos at the heart of her services. We will particularly miss her deep understanding of audiences and their needs, and her expertise in strategic communications. Although she made her decision to stand down some time ago, I am grateful that, at my request, she has stayed on to contribute to the recently completed RT Strategic Review and Multi-Annual Plan, and to steer RT Radio through some difficult periods. She leaves RT Radio not only with a stable audience base, but with a legacy of quality that places it among the best in the world.''

Clare Duignan moved to RT Radio as MD four years ago. Despite massive competition in the commercial sector, and the rapid expansion of mobile digital media, Ms Duignan oversaw the growth of RT Radio 1 reach across the four years from 2008 to 2012, from 23% to 24%. RT lyric fm reach remained stable at 3% across the same period.* RT Raidi na Gaeltachta is implementing its new Three Year Strategy which marks the start of a number of exciting new initiatives at the station. While her time as managing director also coincided with one of the most turbulent periods for 2fm, recent share stability for the station, and the appointment of new station head Dan Healy, has signalled a new beginning for 2fm.

Clare added today: "The media world has changed hugely over the last four years and the revenue and financial difficulties of those years were considerable. It was a privilege and a challenge to steer RT Radio through that time. Despite increased commercial competition, a revolution in consumption, reduced resources and less staff, we have maintained and enhanced the quality of RT Radio. It's a testament to the commitment and energy of our wonderful staff that our arts output, our regional coverage, our quality news and current affairs, sport, genre music, drama, documentary, are better than ever. There have been hundreds of awards over the last four years and lots of rewards too. As I leave RT Radio it carries the title of International Broadcaster of the Year from the New York Festivals. This recognition means a lot- to me, my staff, our listeners, and Ireland. It shows RT Radio matters. Keep listening.

Ms Duignan will leave RT at the end of June, after which she intends to pursue a portfolio career in a number of new areas. RT Radio will hold a public competition for the post of Managing Director in the coming months.

*Source:

JNLR/Ipsos MRBI 2008-2

JNLR/IPSOS MRBI 2012-4

LINK:	http://www.rte.ie/about/en/press-office/press-releases/2013/0514/39217...
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