Pat Kenny agrees to 10% pay cut

BROADCASTER PAT Kenny last night agreed to take a 10 per cent cut in his salary of €850,000 per year. In a statement, Mr Kenny said his company – Pat Kenny Media Services Limited – had informed RTÉ of his willingness to take the cut. “I do not normally comment on arrangements for my services to RTÉ. However, I feel it is appropriate to clarify my position at this time,” he said.

“Everyone has a responsibility to accept the financial challenges facing the State and to examine the role that they can play in working to ensure that we pull through this economic crisis. I am pleased to play my part in this way.”

Radio presenter Marian Finucane, Prime Time presenter Miriam O’Callaghan, sports commentator Eamon Dunphy and afternoon radio host Derek Mooney – have already agreed to take salary cuts of 10 per cent.

Mr Kenny said last night many people who had lost their jobs did not have the opportunity to take a cut in salary. “I have a privileged position within RTÉ and I am fortunate to have been presented with this choice. My negotiations with RTÉ on a new radio and television contract were concluded within the last few weeks,” he said.

“These negotiations took place over a number of months and were conducted against the backdrop of deteriorating economic circumstances.”

He said it had been indicated to him during the negotiations that a contribution to cost-saving efforts might be sought. “I indicated at that time that I would not be found wanting if such a request was made. The objective of the negotiations was to achieve a package that was fair to both sides, which reflected the new reality and which would still be proportionate to the services that I provide on radio and television.