The Head of RTÉ 2FM, Dan Healy, has said he has “no fear” about the future of the station after a number of high-profile presenter departures.
Speaking on Today with Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio 1 on Friday, Healy acknowledged there would be a “difficulty” in terms of transition with listenership ratings but was adamant 2FM will “evolve”.
“To go from people leaving the station to closing it down is nuts,” he said of the speculation about 2FM’s future.
He said he was “sorry” the presenters – Jennifer Zamparelli, The 2 Johnnies, Doireann Garrihy – were leaving but was excited about the future.
Paying tribute to Jennifer Zamparelli, whose departure was announced on Thursday, he described her as “bold, brave, funny”.
“Jen is moving on after 10 years. It’s her decision, I accept that decision,” he told the programme.
Healy said The 2 Johnnies had done a “stunning” job for the station and Doireann Garrihy was “fantastic”.
When questioned about whether the restrictions on external activities placed by RTÉ upon presenters had contributed to the exits, he replied: “It played a role to a certain extent, but it’s not the reason.”
Healy said 2FM would still prove to be an attractive place to work for presenters.
“We need each other. It’s an ecosystem, and we’re all interdependent on each other,” he continued.
He said that now “is a time we can reimagine for the audience”.
Paying tribute to the production teams in 2FM, Healy saluted the “belief” and “pride” they have in the station.
“We have probably the most challenging job here,” he concluded. “But we love it.”
