The editor of the Sunday Tribune, Mr Matt Cooper, is considering an offer from Today FM to host its evening radio show, the Last Word. Mr Cooper yesterday said he would be putting together this week's edition of the Sunday Tribune and he did not want to comment beyond that. Today FM said an offer had been made to Mr Cooper, after detailed negotiations.
It is understood he has at least a week to consider the terms of the deal. An announcement in relation to Mr Cooper's position is likely to be made within the next fortnight.
If Mr Cooper accepts the radio offer, which looks increasingly likely, he will replace Eamon Dunphy. Mr Cooper has stood in for him on several occasions. If Mr Cooper leaves his post at the newspaper, there are likely to be several candidates, internal and external, seeking to replace him.
The position as host of the Last Word show is one of the most lucrative in Irish radio. It is understood that a salary in excess of €100,000 was on offer.
Meetings were taking place in RTÉ last night in relation to the late night discussion programme, the Midnight Court, hosted by Vincent Browne. The meetings involved production staff from Tyrone Productions, the company which produces the programme, and representatives of RTÉ.
Sources say there have been differences between members of the production staff and Mr Browne in recent weeks. An RTÉ spokeswoman said the programme remained in next Sunday's schedule, but there was no firm indication yet on whether it would be aired.