Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Joe Duffy hangs up his mic on Liveline as he confirms Retirement from RT after 37 Years

08/05/2025

The Liveline is now open , said Joe Duffy earlier today, as he previewed this afternoon's Liveline, the hugely popular RT Radio 1 show which he has helmed for over a quarter of a century. And in signing off today's programme, Joe confirmed he is set to close his own Liveline connection when his final programme airs on Friday 27th June.

Joe Duffy said: After 37 wonderful years here in RT , and 27 years presenting Liveline, it has been an incredible honor and privilege to be part of a programme that relied entirely on trust: the trust of our listeners. People felt they could pick up the phone, ring Liveline, and share their lives, problems, stories sad, bad, sometimes mad and funny, their struggles, and their victories. I never took that for granted, not for a single minute. RT has been a great place to work. Public service has always been at its heart. And now, after many happy years, I've decided the time has come to move on. I would like to thank you the listener for tuning in each and every day, it has been an honour to sit in this seat and hear your stories.

Born in January 1956, in Mountjoy Square, Dublin, and raised in Ballyfermot, Joe Duffy originally pursued social work at Trinity College. Joe became one of the first from his area to go to Trinity College and was actively involved in student politics and went on to serve as President of the Union of Students in Ireland. He led protests on campus highlighting access to education and spending two weeks in Mountjoy Prison as a result. After working in the probation service, he joined RT originally as a radio producer, in 1989, and came to prominence as a reporter on the legendary Gay Byrne Show. He presented programmes like Soundbyte before taking over Liveline in 1998. In his 27 years in the Liveline hotseat, both Joe and the programme itself have become national institutions, with the programme frequently attracting some 400,000 listeners.

During Joe's tenure, Liveline has been a vital outlet for citizens. Joe also hosted a wide range of programmes for television, including Liveline Callback and The Meaning of Life, as well as several acclaimed documentaries. Joe has been a recipient of many awards during his acclaimed career, including a Jacob's Award in 1992 for his work on The Gay Byrne Show, various IMRO Awards and he was also inducted into the PPI Hall of Fame in 2013. Joe has written his autobiography Just Joe and two award winning history books, Children of the Rising and Children of the Troubles (with Freya McClements).

Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General, RT , said: Whether breaking stories like the first powerful moments of the 9-11 attacks in the US, or helping the nation navigate the often heart-breaking challenges of a global pandemic, Joe Duffy's Liveline doesn't just have its fingers on the pulse, it is the pulse of the nation. Joe navigated controversies, unearthed scandals, exposed scams, fought misinformation and shone a light on topics long ignored, from historical abuse to the menopause and healthcare reform. Joe was always the guide, never the story. His journalistic insights were perfectly in balance with his human instincts, and Liveline under Joe became both a sanctuary for those seeking justice, and a public square of which Joe was in full control.

Joe Duffy is an icon of broadcasting, and will be hugely missed by his listeners, his colleagues,and all who picked up the phone to nation's hotline. I'd like to wish Joe all our best for his retirement and extend my warmest wishes to June and to Joe's family. He might be hanging up on the Liveline, but our loss is surely his family's most welcome gain.

RT 's Director of Audio, Patricia Monahan said: Joe Duffy is a true legend of Irish broadcasting and the contribution he has made to RT and Liveline cannot be overstated. Joe's ability to connect with listeners, to create a safe place for them to discuss both difficult and light-hearted topics and most importantly to listen to and hear them is unique. Our airwaves will be lesser without him, but we thank him for being part of our daily lives for so long and wish him and his family well for his next chapter.

Joe Duffy will be Patrick's Kielty's special guest on tomorrow night's The Late Late Show, marking his 37 years in broadcasting. Joe will present his last Liveline show on Friday 27th June. RT will run a process over the coming months to appoint Joe's successor with an announcement expected in the autumn.

RT looks forward to Joe Duffy's contribution to its 100th year commemoration in 2026.

ENDS

Date: Thursday May 8th 2025

RT Communications: Maureen Catterson
LINK: https://about.rte.ie/2025/05/08/joe-duffy-hangs-up-his-mic-on-liveline...
See more stories from rte

More from RTE

16/06/2025

Run With Ray in Cork, Waterford, Kilkenny, Drogheda and Dublin as The Ray D'Arcy Show hits the road

Run with Ray is back! RT Radio 1's The Ray D'Arcy Show hits the road th...

13/06/2025

RT Seeks Expressions of Interest for on-air presenting roles on RT Radio 1 and RT News & Current Affairs Output

In fulfilment of a recommendation by the Government's Expert Advisory Commit...

11/06/2025

Mercedes-Benz Ireland announced as the Car Partner of The Traitors Ireland

RT Commercial has today announced Mercedes-Benz Ireland as the car partner of The Traitors Ireland, coming to RT One and RT Player in the Autumn. Mercedes-B...

10/06/2025

Family of Resident featured in RT Investigates Nursing Home Documentary Speak Publicly for the First Time

Family described their shock and distress at seeing footage of their father bein...

06/06/2025

New RT series An Ghig Mhr pairs Irish musicians with up-and-coming talent

Monday 9 June, 8pm on RT One and RT Player Hip hop duo Tebi Rex, K la's R n n Snodaigh, John Spillane and Eve Belle among mentors Promo: An Ghig Mh ...

05/06/2025

New Drama Tall Tales & Murder commissioned for two series by RT and BBC

Stuart Carolan and Chris Addison team up on darkly comedic drama starring Ella Lily Hyland, Aidan Gillen, Phillipa Dunne and Packy Lee From top left to right: ...

04/06/2025

RT Investigates reveals unsafe care and undignified treatment inside Ireland's Nursing Homes

Experts condemn leading private nursing home care provided referring to instance...

04/06/2025

RT Investigates undercover documentary reveals unsafe care and undignified treatment inside Ireland's Nursing Homes

Experts condemn leading private nursing home care provided referring to instance...

03/06/2025

RT is Supporting 20 Arts and Cultural Events this June

This June, RT is delighted to support 20 arts and cultural events all over Ireland spanning art, theatre, film, writing and literature, multiple genres of musi...

03/06/2025

RT announces the appointment of David Crean as Head of Drama

RT is pleased to announce the appointment of David Crean as Head of Drama, following an external competition. After an earlier career as a director and a prod...

02/06/2025

RT Commercial has announced laya healthcare as the new sponsor of 2FM Breakfast with Carl, Roz & Aisling

RT Commercial has announced laya healthcare, as the new sponsor of 2FM Breakfas...

31/05/2025

RT confirms investigation on Ireland's Nursing Homes to air this week

RT Investigates: Inside Ireland's Nursing Homes | RT YouTube RT will broadcast an RT Investigates documentary with undercover footage relating to sta...

30/05/2025

Stolen Sister A new podcast series from RT Documentary on One

Stolen Sister | RT Radio Player YouTube Sisters of Elizabeth Plunkett, who was murdered by Ireland's first serial killers, speak for this first time i...

29/05/2025

Dragon Hearts - RT documentary follows cancer survivors united through dragon boat racing

Dragon Hearts- RT documentary follows cancer survivors united through the power...

29/05/2025

2FM Go Live at Major Music Festivals Across Summer 2025

2FM is hitting the road this summer, broadcasting live from Ireland's biggest music festivals, starting with Forbidden Fruit this June Bank Holiday weekend....

29/05/2025

Aistear an Amhrin RT series reveals fascinating stories behind Ireland's most popular songs

Aistear an Amhr in RT series reveals fascinating stories behind Ireland's ...

28/05/2025

RTjr unveils exciting summer line-up of homegrown content, backing world-class, award-winning Irish animation

This summer, RT , in collaboration with Ireland's vibrant independent produc...

28/05/2025

Super Garden 2025 Winner Revealed

Debbie Brophy has been crowned the winner of Super Garden 2025. The garden design challenge, now in its 16th series, has once again showcased the extraordinary ...

27/05/2025

RT appoints new Head of Podcasting

RT is pleased to announce the appointment of Hugh Ormond to the new role, Head of Podcasting, following an internal competition. In this pivotal role to the ...

27/05/2025

RT Opening Statement: Joint Oireachtas Committee

RT will meet with the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport on Wednesday 28th May, 2025. The Committee identified a nu...

23/05/2025

RT Update: RT VEP 2025

In an email to RT staff this evening, RT Director General stated as follows: Dear colleagues, RT 's VEP 2025 is now closed. I can confirm that we receiv...

23/05/2025

RT Radio 1 presents The Prompt A new eight-part series showcasing fresh Irish writing, curated by Ireland's leading literary voices

Featuring guest writers Edel Coffey, Mike McCormack, Sin ad Moriarty, Dave Rudde...

22/05/2025

RT to Commission All Christian Worship Content from the Independent Sector

In line with the published New Direction strategy, RT has launched a commissioning process that will see all Christian Worship content on RT 's video platf...

22/05/2025

Tonight on RT Prime Time, the reality behind online negative masculinity

Prime Time speaks to Charleen Murphy, an influencer whose online harassment turned into a real-world attack Tonight, Prime Time hosts a special programme focus...

22/05/2025

RT Today show and Mercier Press announce the winner of new novelist competition

RT 's Today show, in conjunction with Ireland's oldest publishing house Mercier Press, have announced Ireland's newest published author. Rebecca M...

21/05/2025

RT appoints Eleanor O'Shaughnessy as Chief Risk and Compliance Officer

RT is pleased to announce the appointment of Eleanor O'Shaughnessy as Chief Risk and Compliance Officer (CRCO), following a public competition. Eleanor bri...

19/05/2025

RT publishes Register of External Activities for Q4 2024 (statistical summary)

RT is today publishing a statistical summary from the Register of External Activities for the fourth quarter of 2024. The RT Register of External Activities ...

18/05/2025

RT ALL-IRELAND DRAMA FESTIVAL WINNERS ANNOUNCED DURING GALA AWARDS STREAMED LIVE ON RTE.IE/CULTURE

Ballyduff Drama Group from Co. Waterford Scoops Top Award in 2025 RT All-Irelan...

16/05/2025

RT Live at Bord Bia Bloom 2025: Live shows, live music and chat, live RT Weather, and much more

Live RT Radio 1 shows with Louise Duffy, Countrywide and Mooney Goes Wild RT ...

15/05/2025

FAI and RT announce biggest ever broadcast agreement for Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup delivering 13 games over two years

The Football Association of Ireland and RT have today announced a new two-year ...

12/05/2025

Bernard Dunne explores the real stories behind sporting success in brand new RT Radio 1 series Dunne Talking

What is success? How is it achieved? And what does it really cost? These are the...

09/05/2025

RT Statement: Eurovision Song Contest 2025

Further to the comments from RT Director-General, Kevin Bakhurst on Wednesday 7th May included below in which he asked the EBU for a discussion on Israel&#...

09/05/2025

Tom Brady, Nadine Coyle, Joe Duffy and EMMY among guests on this week's Late Late Show season finale

Here is your host, Patrick Kielty! In the season finale of The Late Late Show, ...

09/05/2025

My Eurovision Party 2025 - join in on the fun with RT Kids and Marty Whelan avatar!

My Eurovision Party 2025 - join in on the fun with RT Kids! Eurovision launche...

08/05/2025

Joe Duffy hangs up his mic on Liveline as he confirms Retirement from RT after 37 Years

The Liveline is now open , said Joe Duffy earlier today, as he previewed this af...

08/05/2025

RT reveals first look at comedy drama The Walsh Sisters, based on novels of Marian Keyes

RT , in association with the BBC, Screen Ireland and Cineflix Rights has reveale...

07/05/2025

RT Announces Fergal O'Brien as new Business Correspondent

RT News is pleased to announce the appointment of RT journalist, Fergal O'Brien, as its new Business Correspondent. In his new role, Fergal will be repor...

06/05/2025

KLA to perform live on RT Radio 1's Arena with exclusive preview of new album, Raise the Road

Live from Studio 1 at 7pm, Tuesday May 6 Iconic trad-fusion group K LA will be ...

06/05/2025

Tracks & Trails returns for a fresh new season

First episode airs this Friday at 8pm on RT One and RT Player with Doireann N Ghlac in presenting Guests include Barry Murphy, Brooke Scullion, Bryan Dobso...

02/05/2025

New RT Series Uncharted with Ray Goggins pushes well-known faces to their limits

Well-known faces pushed to their limits in Uncharted with Ray Goggins...

01/05/2025

Leinster v Northampton the highlight of another huge weekend of free-to-air sport across RT

Munster and Connacht Football Finals onThe Sunday Game Live Final two days of t...

01/05/2025

Brand new culinary showdown comes to RT Player

Stream all episodes ofLook Who's Hangry from April 29 An RT Player Original in partnership with Heinz...

01/05/2025

Tnaiste Simon Harris, Lottie Ryan and Boyzlife among guests on Friday's Late Late Show

Here is your host, Patrick Kielty! T naiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and T...

01/05/2025

New documentary Bad Nanny tells the story of serial scammer Samantha Cookes

Exclusive interviews and un-seen footage feature in new two-part series...

01/05/2025

RT Investigates reveals details of Christian Brothers who managed congregation's assets are now convicted jailed child sexual abusers

RT Investigates reveals details of Christian Brothers who were senior leaders a...

01/05/2025

RT Statement Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project

RT Statement The Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project is one of the projects that was funded from the proceeds of RT 's land sale in 2017, the init...

01/05/2025

RT is Supporting 28 Arts and Cultural Events all over Ireland this May

Watch our promo: RT Supporting the Arts | What's on This May, RT is delighted to support Bealtaine Festival, Fastnet Film Festival, and Dublin Dance Fest...

30/04/2025

New RT News Podcast Behind the Story Available Now

You've seen the headlines, now it's time to go Behind the Story RT News has today (Wednesday) launched a brand-new news podcast, Behind the Story, h...

30/04/2025

Significant year for Irish drama with 142 hours of original production coming to RT

Nine major RT dramas will be shot in 2025 142 hoursof high-quality, homegrow...

25/04/2025

RT Nationwide explores the heritage and communities of Dublin Port in a special week long series

All next week RT Nationwide features Dublin Port, the largest freight and passe...