Kenny top earner at RTÉ

Broadcaster Pat Kenny has topped RTÉ's wage bill with a pay packet just shy of the €2m mark for two years' work, it was revealed tonight.

The station's biggest earners list showed the radio and current affairs presenter was paid €950,976 and €922,949 in 2007 and 2008 respectively when he still hosted 'The Late, Late Show' and his daily radio programme.

The other big names in Montrose's top three earnings list included Gerry Ryan whose pay fell by €47,000 to €629,865 in 2008.

Radio host Marian Finucane earned €100,000 more in 2008 bringing her wage packet to €470,013 last year.

RTÉ defended the massive salaries claiming that they have been cut by a total of 11.5% last summer.

"RTÉ believes that our audience expects us to retain the services of the most talented broadcasters," it said.

"To do this RTÉ must offer viable levels of reward within a very competitive environment.

"However the public also expects RTÉ to offer value for money, particularly in more difficult economic times."

Ryan Tubridy, before he took on 'The Late, Late Show' role, earned €533,333 in 2008 and €366,867 in 2007 - a total of more than €900,000.

'Liveline' host Joe Duffy was paid €408,889 last year and €377,648 the year before bringing his take-home pay to €786,537.

Pundit and journalist Eamonn Dunphy took home €328,051 in 2008 and €285,915 in 2007 making a total of €613,966.

Miriam O'Callaghan earned €301,667 last year up from €290,767 the year before making €592,434.

Derek Mooney was paid €286,809 in 2008 and only a slight drop from €288,833 in 2007 making a total of €575,642.

Commentator George Hamilton took home €219,833 last year but did not make it onto the list in 2007.

'News-at-One' presenter Sean O'Rourke earned €218,656 in 2008 and €232,820 in 2007 bringing his take-home pay to €451,476.

DJ and critic John Kelly earned €215,636 in 2007 but did not make the list last year.

RTÉ defended their 2007 and 2008 wage bills saying they were historical: "Since that time the economic environment has dramatically changed.

"RTÉ, like all other media organisations depending on commercial revenues, is facing severe financial challenges and has had to make significant cost savings across the organisation."

It said it will save €56m this year as it cuts costs.