Following the retirement of the previous Head of RTÉ Lyric FM Aodán Ó Dubhghaill last summer, RTÉ has now advertised for a replacement, but the role is only open to RTÉ staff. The position has been advertised on RTÉ Hub, which is the station’s intranet.

The job description states that ‘RTÉ’s ambition is that RTÉ Lyric FM will continue to operate as a vibrant and sustainable radio station’ and that the role will report to the Group Head of Arts and Culture, Ann-Marie Power.

Last year, it was suggested on an RTÉ programme that the Limerick studios may be closed and the station would be moved to Cork and Dublin. Following a public outcry, the decision was deferred until after the new Future of Media Commission’s report, which is set to be published this summer. One of Lyric FM’s senior producers, Eoin Brady, left the station last year because of the uncertainty around the station’s future. 

The job description states that RTÉ has developed a new 2021–2023 roadmap for Lyric that has a number of components, including broadening and diversifying the audience for the station; driving forward policies and commissioning decisions that will produce additional original music and cultural content; maximising on air-talent; and ensuring RTÉ Lyric FM is a central platform in ‘commissioning and disseminating the work of musicians, orchestras and other artists in Ireland’.

It also states that ‘As RTÉ Lyric FM’s main office is based in the RTÉ Limerick building, and with resources working in a number of locations, travel is essential for this role.’

The requirements for the position include ‘A significant proven track record as a leader in an editorial, production or content delivery role’ and ‘A demonstrable interest in classical and other music genres’. 

The closing date for applications is 22 April. The appointment will be a fixed-term contract for a period of three years.

Visit www.rte.ie/lyricfm.