Tubs could be back on the airwaves.
Speculation is rife about where Ryan Tubridy will end up following his parting of ways with RTÉ, as was confirmed last week.
With numerous options available for the former Late Late Show host, there’s been no shortage of links to various outlets and stations, with talks of even him going to the UK.
According to The Sun, however, the broadcaster has been offered a lucrative deal to stay in Ireland and take up a new hosting gig at Classic Hits FM.
Reports say that the station is willing to match the reported €170,000 salary which was offered by RTÉ before the deal collapsed and even give him the two-hour morning slot up against his old show.
Station boss Kevin Brannigan told The Sun that “it’s very rare to get an opportunity like this.”
“We want to give Ryan Tubridy fans the option of turning the dial at 9am and hearing Ryan again.
“It’s been a while but we know our listeners would love him. It’s a very good fit — Ryan Tubridy and Classic Hits Radio.”
Classic Hits FM have no issue negotiating with Noel Kelly
Throughout the ultimately failed negotiations with RTÉ, Director General Kevin Bakhurst insisted that Tubridy’s agent Noel Kelly, who attended the Oireachtas Committee meetings alongside the presenter, would not be involved in negotiations.
However, Brannigan said that Classic Hits FM have “no issues” involving the agent, who represents a myriad of RTÉ talent, in negotiations for the offered role.
According to the station boss, Classic Hits have a “five-year target for listenership”, but believe that Tubridy could get them there in one.
“We have very high ambitions for Classic Hits Radio — our aim is to grow to 500,000 listeners and become a major player on a par with Today FM and Newstalk in the multicity area.”
Former RTÉ presenters Colm Hayes and Lucy Kennedy currently host the morning slot for Classic Hits FM, but there’s an insistence that they won’t be replaced if Tubridy does agree to sign up.
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