Who will take the top job?

Kudos: Kevin Bakhurst (left) is hot favourite to succeed Noel Curran (right).

November 12 2015 11:46 PM

We look at the likely candidates for the top job in RTÉ.

KEVIN BAKHURST

Deputy Director-General and Managing Director of News and Current Affairs, RTÉ

He has been the hot favourite to take over since his appointment as deputy director-general. Highly regarded in management circles, and has restored some kudos to news and current affairs after the disaster of the Mission to Prey documentary, where a priest was libelled.

But not all his projects have been successes. Morning Edition, which went out at 9am, was a curious addition to the current affairs schedule at a time when there is not much of an audience, and was axed.

Odds: 1/2

DAVID McREDMOND

Chief Executive, TV3

If the interviewers go for an outsider, the boss of the Ballymount station would be seen as the equivalent of a bucket of cold water. Has done well to keep TV3 afloat through tough times, and did not rule himself out when asked about becoming director-general when interviewed by RTÉ's Drivetime about his station securing the rights to the Six Nations.

Odds: 10/1

GLEN KILLANE

Managing Director RTÉ Television

As an RTÉ 'Lifer', he has worked his way up after previously serving as head of sport. His job in charge of TV puts him in the frame. He is popular with station staff, but lack of outside experience may be a hindrance.

Odds: 10/1

MÚIRNE LAFFAN

Managing Director, RTÉ Digital

Seen as one to watch in RTÉ, she oversees one of the major areas of development in Montrose as the person responsible for digital strategy. Before joining the station she worked in advertising in New York.

Odds: 16/1

WILLIE O'REILLY

Group Commercial Director, RTÉ

Considered a dark horse in the race for the job, having moved between the state broadcaster and the commercial sector. Once executive producer of The Gerry Ryan Show on 2fm, he was chief executive of Today FM for over a decade before moving back to Montrose.

Odds: 16/1

BREDA O'KEEFFE

Chief Financial Officer

Recent director-generals have tended to come from the programming area, but her achievements in helping to put RTÉ's finances on an even keel have commanded respect.

Odds: 30/1

JIM JENNINGS

Managing Director, RTÉ Radio

Has 30 years of experience for the state broadcaster, including a stint in charge of the Late Late Show. Has overseen election coverage and the revamp of the Rose of Tralee broadcasts. May be seen as too much of an insider.

Odds: 40/1

MARY CURTIS

Head of Channel, UTV Ireland

She became of the most senior woman in Irish broadcasting after moving over from RTÉ, where she oversaw the switchover to Saorview. However, UTV Ireland's less than stellar performance is likely to hold her back

Odds: 50/1