Media

RTÉ Radio appoints new managing director

Former ‘Late Late’ executive producer Jim Jennings (50) has been with the broadcaster for over 25 years

Jim Jennings, new managing director of RTÉ Radio pictured at the broadcaster’s headquarters in Montrose. Photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times
Jim Jennings, new managing director of RTÉ Radio pictured at the broadcaster’s headquarters in Montrose. Photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times
Elaine Edwards
Fri Oct 25 2013 - 14:59

RTÉ Radio has appointed Jim Jennings as its new managing director after a public competition to fill the role.

Mr Jennings (50), a former head of RTÉ Radio 1, has been acting managing director of RTÉ Radio for the past six months.

He is also a former executive producer of the Late Late Show and has worked with the broadcaster for over 25 years.

In 2006, he oversaw what RTÉ described as a revamp of the Rose of Tralee programme.

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He also edited the Irish language series Léargas, worked as executive producer on special broadcast projects such as the Special Olympics opening ceremony in 2003, coverage of election 2002, and the quiz programme Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

Mr Jennings started his career in RTÉ Radio 1, where he was a researcher on the Pat Kenny Show, Today at Five, Saturday View, and Studio 10.

“I’m delighted and honoured to take on the responsibility to lead the radio division, and RTÉ orchestras, quartet and choirs,” Mr Jennings said.

" My career in RTÉ began in radio over twenty five years ago and radio has always been close to my heart. It's a humbling experience to be taking on such an important role in media in Ireland. "

RTÉ director general Noel Curran said Mr Jennings had "a huge range of editorial and management experience and a keen understanding of the unique position of RTÉ Radio nationally".

“ As head of radio 1 he saw the station maintain its position as Ireland’s most-listened-to radio service, a considerable achievement in a market that grows more competitive by the month.

“His track record of innovation around comedy, current-affairs and music; his public commitment to finding new on-air voices and his willingness to take risks for the audience, mean that it promises to be an exciting road ahead for RTÉ Radio 1, 2fm, Lyric FM, Raidio na Gaeltachta and RTÉ’s six digital radio services.”