A Journey of Change and New Beginnings
Sharon Tobin has had a remarkable career in the world of television, particularly as a co-host on the popular show Six One. Her journey has seen her work alongside notable figures such as David McCullagh and later Tommy Meskill. However, her experiences have not been without their challenges, especially when it comes to navigating the ever-changing landscape of media.
The Shocking News
One of the most memorable moments in Sharon’s career came when David McCullagh informed her that he would be leaving the news desk to take over Claire Byrne’s spot on Radio 1. She described the moment as a “shock,” but she also recognized the opportunity it presented for David.
“David told me he was leaving, and it was a bit of a shock, but look, it was a great opportunity for him, and he’s great at what he does,” Sharon said.
She recalled the tension of keeping the news secret, as rumors about Claire Byrne’s replacement were circulating. “He told me not to tell anybody, which was even worse because I had to keep it to myself,” she laughed.
Navigating Change
Sharon emphasized how changes in the media industry can lead to significant shifts. “You have to remember that things change, and when things change in media, there are lots of different waves that come in, and the ripples go out because it won’t mean one change; it’ll mean lots of changes.”
She added, “But that’s great. That means everybody gets to move along.”
Finding the Right Replacement
When it came to finding a replacement for David, who had been a staple of RTÉ news for years, several names were considered. Sharon and David discussed potential candidates, and Tommy Meskill’s name frequently came up.
“I had a couple of people in my head of whom I would like (to replace David), and I’m glad to say Tommy was right up there. I was just so thrilled that Tommy was the next person to sit in the chair next to me because he’s like a breath of fresh air; he’s brilliant,” she gushed.
A Team Effort
Sharon shared how she and David had discussions about the best fit for the role. “I made it known who I thought would be really good in the job, whether or not they considered that, I don’t know, but I was very happy when they told me you (Tommy) got the job.”
She noted that while David might have had his own thoughts on the matter, the final decision rested with their bosses. “I’m sure David mentioned who he thought would be good as well, but I suppose ultimately our bosses make these decisions based on what they see and how they see people performing in their jobs as well.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Sharon remains optimistic about the future. She highlighted the importance of adaptability in the media industry. “We had a brilliant team, and we still have a brilliant team.”
