Copyright evoke
RTÉ boss Kevin Bakhurst has said he feels 'personally sorry' for Ray D'Arcy after changes to the Radio 1 schedule led to the axing of his show. At the time of his departure earlier this month, Ray said he was 'hugely disappointed' with how RTÉ handled this situation. Personal feelings aside, Mr Bakhurst has rebutted this, saying that Ray 'actually had plenty of warning' that his show was in danger of being axed. Just recently, Ray told the Irish Times he was 'completely blindsided' by RTÉ's decision not to renew his contract, saying he met with RTÉ's director of audio, Patricia Monahan, on September 29. Ms Monahan disputed this and said the presenter, who finished up on October 9, was given three months' notice. Speaking on RTÉ's Drivetime on Wednesday, Mr Bakhurst said Ray 'did a fantastic job with RTÉ for a number of years', but RTÉ was striving for more listeners, and the decision to axe his show was 'based on numbers'. Mr Bakhurst said: 'I feel sorry personally for Ray. I think Patricia Monahan, head of audio, explained as much as she can about that. I think it’s always difficult when you make changes and individuals are involved. 'In my view, and yes, I was involved with Patricia in this, I feel it was handled fairly,' Mr Bakhurst continued. 'He actually had plenty of warning that there could be changes in coming along for a couple of years. So I was quite surprised when he said he had no inkling about it. 'But, you know, I understand it’s hard when it happens to anyone, particularly if you’re in the public eye.' Mr Bakhurst bluntly confirmed, 'No', when asked whether he'd spoken to Ray since his departure from RTÉ. Speaking to EVOKE after the announcement of his exit on October 9, Ray said: 'First off, I am hugely disappointed with RTÉ management and how my departure from Radio 1 has been handled. 'I’ve been with Radio 1 for the past 11 years. In that time, I have worked with some brilliant people. I want to thank them. I also want to thank all the regulars on the show, the guests and the wonderful loyal listeners,' he added. 'I am particularly proud of how the show championed the stories and causes of people like Catherine Corless, Erica Fleming, Katriona O’Sullivan and the late Vicky Phelan.' 'I am also very proud of how we highlighted mental health and addiction issues over the years – these are areas I will continue to be active in. I love radio, and daily radio is part of who I am. I look forward to the opportunities ahead,' Ray concluded. Soon after Ray's departure, RTÉ Radio 1 announced a huge schedule shake-up, which sees Claire Byrne jump ship for Newstalk, while Kieran Cuddihy does the exact opposite in order to fill Joe Duffy's shoes on Liveline.
