Name: Bob Collins.
Position: Director general RTE.
Background: Born in Killarney, Co Kerry, but grew up in Co Limerick. Graduated from UCD with a BA in philosophy and an MA in business administration. Joined RTE in 1975 as secretary to the authority. Since 1980 has worked in the organisation at a senior editorial level. Appointed director of television programmes in 1986 and director of corporate affairs in 1993. In 1995 he became assistant director general. He has also been involved in the European Broadcasting Union.
Age: 50.
Why he is in the news: Although 18 months into his five-year contract, he will shortly oversee the transfer of RTE services to a terrestrial digital network and will implement a radical programme to cut costs by up to £25 million.
