Curran named RTÉ director general

RTÉ’s former managing director of television Noel Curran has been named as the State broadcaster’s new director general.

Mr Curran takes over the position just six months after leaving RTÉ to work in the private sector.

He succeeds Cathal Goan, who is retiring in February next year having served a full seven-year term.

A native of Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, Mr Curran got his first job in journalism in Business and Finance magazine 20 years ago.

He joined RTÉ as a reporter in 1992 and later held the posts of current affairs editor and executive producer of Kenny Live.

After a period in the independent sector, he rejoined RTÉ as managing director of television. He left in May to take up an undefined role with sources saying that his decision was also motivated by his desire to spend more time with his young family.

Mr Curran said: “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed director-general. RTÉ has a unique role and a unique responsibility in Irish life. It also has a unique relationship with its audience. Whatever challenges lie ahead, I hope to see that bond strengthened.”

RTÉ’s board chairman Tom Savage said the recruitment process had been “exceptionally intensive and exhaustive” and had included international candidates. “Noel has the editorial acumen, the cultural assurance, and the business flair to lead RTÉ into a new era of public service. In these especially challenging times,” he said.