The broadcaster George Hook has been given a new two-year contract with Dublin station NewsTalk 106.
The decision means the prospect of Eamon Dunphy hosting a drive-time show on the station has evaporated, although Dunphy could still end up hosting a show earlier in the schedule.
In a colourful departure from tradition, Hook, a well-known rugby pundit and journalist, told his own listeners about the contract on last night's edition of his show, The Right Hook.
Hook said that during a break he had been handed the new contract by NewsTalk chief executive, Dan Healy. A "six-figure sum" has been agreed between NewsTalk and the broadcaster, sources said last night.
"I am delighted with the news and I hope listeners are too. It was great to get to hear about it tonight and particularly during a live show," said Hook.
He said Dunphy was a "great broadcasting talent" but where he fitted into the schedule was not his concern. "The Right Hook goes on and we have two years of broadcasting ahead," he said.
The move follows last week's intense speculation that Hook might be dropped from the NewsTalk line-up and replaced by Dunphy.
While several denials of this story were issued, media reports about Dunphy's return continued.
NewsTalk management have held meetings with Dunphy in the last week, but discussions are unlikely to yield anything until the new year.
The other two high-profile slots potentially available for Dunphy would be the morning show currently hosted by David McWilliams and the lunchtime show hosted by Damian Kiberd. There is also a chance Dunphy could host a mid-morning show currently called Morning Edition.
However, NewsTalk have denied that anything is agreed at this stage.