Pat Kenny’s Stinging Critique of Newstalk’s Handling of Schedule Changes
Veteran broadcaster Pat Kenny has publicly expressed his disappointment with how Newstalk managed his transition from their weekday radio schedule, suggesting the process lacked consideration for his dedicated team. Kenny, a familiar voice to Irish audiences for decades, made a significant career move in 2013, departing RTÉ after over 40 years to host a weekday show on Newstalk.
For twelve and a half years, Kenny helmed The Pat Kenny Show on the station. However, a shift in strategy by Newstalk management saw the broadcaster announce that Kenny would be moving to weekend programming, with Claire Byrne slated to join the station following her departure from RTÉ Radio 1.
While Kenny acknowledges the inevitability of schedule changes in the broadcasting world, he believes the execution of this particular transition fell short. The 78-year-old presenter stated he was “dismayed” by the treatment of the talented individuals who worked on his weekday show. He claimed that many team members were left in the dark about their future roles, with some only being informed of their new positions “weeks down the road.”
“They didn’t know for a long time,” Kenny remarked. “I think they should have been told earlier in the process, that’s for sure. It could have been done in a kinder way.” He elaborated on this sentiment, suggesting that providing clarity on their upcoming responsibilities sooner would have been a more considerate approach. “I’m the big boy, and I had an agent sitting by my side, so we fight our battles,” he added, highlighting the disparity in how he and his team were positioned to navigate these changes.
Navigating the Timeline: A Battle of Wills
Kenny also revealed that Newstalk management initially intended for him to conclude his weekday show much earlier, aiming for an early September wrap-up in the previous year. However, the seasoned broadcaster pushed back against this timeline, arguing that such a significant change occurring in early September would create an unnecessarily “chaotic time” for the show and its staff.
“People are starting to get the kids back to school, and it’d be a very disruptive time for the show’s team,” he told the Sunday Independent.
When management proposed January as an alternative timeframe to cease the weekday broadcast, Kenny again resisted. His reasoning was practical and centred on the logistical nightmares of attempting to organise a new show during the festive season. “I didn’t want to stop then, because trying to organise something new over Christmas would be insane,” he explained. “Why would you do that, with everybody on holidays and kids with flu and all the rest?”
Ultimately, Kenny’s persistence led to the new schedule commencing in February. He views this later start date as a far more “rational” approach, allowing for better planning and a smoother transition for everyone involved. The experience, however, has clearly left a mark, prompting a candid reflection on the human element often overlooked in the fast-paced world of broadcasting.
The ongoing dynamic between broadcasters like Newstalk and established institutions such as RTÉ is a constant feature of the media landscape. Reports have previously indicated a competitive spirit, with Newstalk management even declaring a “radio war” with RTÉ, highlighting the intense rivalry and the exciting developments within the industry. This latest commentary from Pat Kenny offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the complexities and challenges that arise when such shifts occur.
