RTE to audition 150 applicants for 2FM slot

RTE will offer audition opportunities to around 150 people in a bid to fill gaps in the 2FM line-up.

There have been a number of recent high-profile departures from the station, including Jennifer Zamparelli, The 2 Johnnies and Doireann Garrihy, leading to a reshuffle of hosts.

After major financial and governance scandals across RTE, the organisation introduced a plan to cut presenter wages, restrict external activities and develop a register of interests.

Head of 2FM Dan Healy previously said the new rules on external activities “played a role but is not the reason” for the exits.

RTE bosses have acknowledged the clampdown may make the positions less attractive.

At the start of this month, the national broadcaster announced an open call for applicants to present roles on 2FM.

It said it wanted to create a long list of presenters – for single or double-header roles – who would appeal to a 15 to 34-year-old audience.

In an interview with the PA news agency, RTE director-general Kevin Bakhurst denied suggestions that 2FM had run out of ideas, adding: “Far from it.”

He said the reaction to the call-out was “fantastic”.

“We had over 500 applications from a range of people, from existing radio presenters, members of staff, podcasters, social media people, some great young Irish-language journalists.

“There’s a whole range of people and I know that Dan Healy and his team are actually very excited by the number of people.

“They were very excited by some of the people that we’ve come across that we wouldn’t have come across otherwise.

“They had 500. I think we’re going to give an audition opportunity to around 150.”