Des Whelan steps down as CEO of WLR fm

Founding director and shareholder of WLR fm Des Whelan is stepping down from his role as CEO of WLR fm. Picture: Patrick Browne

Founding director and shareholder of WLR fm Des Whelan announced he will step down from his role as chief executive of the Waterford radio station.

WLR fm will remain in the ownership of Mr Whelan and The Irish Times Group, which owns a number of radio stations and regional newspapers in addition to the Irish Examiner.

Mr Whelan will be succeeded by Michael Byrne, who is currently the programme and operations director at WLR. Mr Byrne will officially take up his new role at the end of February.

"WLR holds a significant place in the fabric of everyday life in Waterford, and I look forward to working with the brilliant team at the station to deliver the best possible service on air and online to our valued listeners and customers," said Mr Byrne.

In 1989, Mr Whelan secured a licence for local radio in Waterford City and County and in 2002 he founded Beat 102-103.

He was also chairman of Red FM from 2009 to 2023, a founding shareholder and director of Radio Nova and Newstalk, and helped establish the Broadcast Centre at Ardkeen.

“Having thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my 45 years in radio, I consider myself immensely fortunate to have made a livelihood doing what I love,” said Mr Whelan.

Mr Whelan is currently chairman at the Waterford Museum of Treasures and Mount Congreve Gardens.