So, who’s really making all the money at RTÉ? Traditionally, it’s been the on-air talent leading the earnings table. This year, however, there’s been a shake-up:  the executives/suits are now outpacing the stars on the payscale. But with Newstalk snapping up big-name presenters, could RTÉ’s pay cuts signal the start of a slide? And as fresh revelations emerge about unorthodox payments, is another storm brewing over the national broadcaster’s headquarters?

­

This podcast has been amended on 31 October 2025 to remove the incorrect statement that the 725m three-year Government funding plan for RTE is in addition to TV license fee revenue

So, who’s really making all the money at RTÉ? Traditionally, it’s been the on-air talent leading the earnings table. This year, however, there’s been a shake-up: &nbsp;the executives/suits are now outpacing the stars on the payscale. But with Newstalk snapping up big-name presenters, could RTÉ’s pay cuts signal the start of a slide? And as fresh revelations emerge about unorthodox payments, is another storm brewing over the national broadcaster’s headquarters?
­
This podcast has been amended on 31 October 2025 to remove the incorrect statement that the 725m three-year Government funding plan for RTE is in addition to TV license fee revenue

Stay in the know, on the go. The Indo Daily brings you in-depth, 20 minute stories that fit into your day.

Heard the news? The Indo Daily takes you beyond t…

The Indo Daily

RTÉ’s top 10 earners: Who’s making the big bucks? 

This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast Indo Politics.

­

A “just delighted” Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats is racing ahead in the Dublin Central by-election, leaving rival candidates from heavyweight parties in the dust.

­

A historic day for the Social Democrats proved to be a difficult one for both Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil as Mary Lou McDonald and Micheál Martin lost momentum.

­

Meanwhile, events in Galway West have been considerably tighter, with a final result not expected until lunchtime on Sunday.

­

As it stands - at least at the time of recording this podcast - Noel Thomas of Independent Ireland is leading the charge, with Fine Gael’s Seán Kyne trailing slightly behind.

­

So, what does it all mean?

­

Micheál Martin may be putting on a brave face, but he faces a tricky forecast.

­

Mary Lou McDonald says there’s no threat to her leadership, but how damaging is this latest election loss under her watch?

­

Did the novelty of Gerry Hutch wear off in the end?

And are the Greens back in business?

­

It's all up for discussion on this edition of Indo Politics as host Cónal Thomas hears from Irish Independent political editor Mary Regan in Galway, and from Irish Independent political reporter Aisling Moloney in Dublin.

­

We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism 

­

­

This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast Indo Politics.
­
A “just delighted” Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats is racing ahead in the Dublin Central by-election, leaving rival candidates from heavyweight parties in the dust.
­
A historic day for the Social Democrats proved to be a difficult one for both Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil as Mary Lou McDonald and Micheál Martin lost momentum.
­
Meanwhile, events in Galway West have been considerably tighter, with a final result not expected until lunchtime on Sunday.
­
As it stands - at least at the time of recording this podcast - Noel Thomas of Independent Ireland is leading the charge, with Fine Gael’s Seán Kyne trailing slightly behind.
­
So, what does it all mean?
­
Micheál Martin may be putting on a brave face, but he faces a tricky forecast.
­
Mary Lou McDonald says there’s no threat to her leadership, but how damaging is this latest election loss under her watch?
­
Did the novelty of Gerry Hutch wear off in the end?
And are the Greens back in business?
­
It's all up for discussion on this edition of Indo Politics as host Cónal Thomas hears from Irish Independent political editor Mary Regan in Galway, and from Irish Independent political reporter Aisling Moloney in Dublin.
­
We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at <a href="http://independent.ie/ourjournalism">independent.ie/ourjournalism</a>&nbsp;
­
­

By-Elections: Daniel Ennis leads the way in Dublin as Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil falter

On a cold winter night in December 2000 Sandra Collins went missing from a small fishing village in Mayo. Five days later, her fleece was found on a local pier, but despite extensive searches, no other trace of Sandra has ever been found. There have been arrests, trials, and even a reclassification to murder, yet the case endures as one of Ireland’s most tragic and unsolved mysteries. Crime World’s Nicola Tallant and Jenny Friel discuss their latest nine-part podcast series, Ghost, which digs deep into the life and the enduring questions that surround Sandra Collins’ disappearance.

­

Host: Tessa Fleming, Guests: Nicola Tallant, Jenny Friel

­

We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

On a cold winter night in December 2000 Sandra Collins went missing from a small fishing village in Mayo. Five days later, her fleece was found on a local pier, but despite extensive searches, no other trace of Sandra has ever been found. There have been arrests, trials, and even a reclassification to murder, yet the case endures as one of Ireland’s most tragic and unsolved mysteries. Crime World’s Nicola Tallant and Jenny Friel discuss their latest nine-part podcast series, Ghost, which digs deep into the life and the enduring questions that surround Sandra Collins’ disappearance.
­
Host: Tessa Fleming, Guests: Nicola Tallant, Jenny Friel
­
We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

Sandra Collins disappeared 26 years ago. Why can nobody find her?

How many encores can one scandal have?  
There were more fireworks as RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst and his executives found themselves brought before yet another tense Oireachtas Media Committee.  
Emotions were high as the payment status of late Arena presenter Seán Rocks and the perilous situation of his family were brought to light and challenged. 
Elsewhere, similar question marks were applied to Oliver Callan, Tommy Tiernan, Derek Mooney, George Lee and Kevin Bakhurst himself.  
So, where does this saga go from here?  
And how is the future of Patrick Kielty as the host of The Late Late Show tied in? 
On this Extra episode of The Indo Daily, host Kevin Doyle is joined by Irish Independent Ireland Editor Fionnán Sheahan to break down the latest revelations and rancour.  

RTÉ’s top 10 earners: Who’s making the big bucks?

In 1 playlist(s)

The Indo Daily

Social links

Recent clips