John Kelly, one of Today FM's most successful presenters, is to move to RTE to present two shows on Radio 1. Next year he will present a music programme five evenings a week between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., and a music and chat programme on Saturdays at midday.
Mr Kelly has become one of the successes of Irish broadcasting since he moved to Dublin to host a show on Radio Ireland at its launch in 1997. He quickly attracted a cult following for his Eclectic Ballroom programme. At the relaunch of the station as Today FM, Mr Kelly's show, along with Eamon Dunphy's Last Word and Donal Dineen's music show were the only survivors of the shake-up which turned Today FM into a mainstream music-driven station.
These presenters gave Today FM credibility by producing innovative radio.
It will be that credibility which Today FM will lose as a result of Mr Kelly's departure, rather than significant advertising revenue, as evening radio has very small audiences.
On RTE he will present a music programme every evening. However, it is not clear what format the programme will take.
On Saturday morning he takes over the Balfe Street slot, presented by Brendan Balfe, who will now produce the programme.
Mr Kelly also hosts an arts discussion programme on Network 2 television.
The chairman of Today FM, Mr John McColgan, said Mr Kelly was one of the most talented broadcasters in the country. "He has made a significant contribution to Today FM and we will miss him."
In other RTE radio changes, it is believed that in September, Morning Ireland, RTE radio's most successful programme, will move to an earlier start of 7 a.m. The twice-daily It Says In the Papers review slot will change, possibly to 7.30 a.m. and 8.30 a.m. slots. Early next year, Marian Finucane will take over the 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. slot on RTE Radio 1 with human interest stories. She will be followed by Pat Kenny from 10 to 12 midday. His mix of news and current affairs will be hardened. Des Cahill will contribute to the programme, doing live reports, colour and sports.
Also early in the New Year, Joe Duffy will take over the Live Line slot in the afternoon. He will present a more "produced" programme that is expected to evolve into a different type of programme from that presented by Ms Finucane.
Other changes include Eimear Woodfull taking over Joe Duffy's contributions to 5 - 7 Live. She will also present the weekly review of the media, Soundbyte.