Reports of pay gripe as Little takes career break
In a statement released yesterday, the national broadcaster confirmed that from January the award-winning current affairs journalist will take 12 months off to pursue other interests.
RTÉ current affairs editor, Ken O’Shea, said the move would allow the presenter to “temporarily embark on an exciting new project” involving new digital media — a comment that was repeated by Mr Little.
However, despite reports in recent weeks that the popular presenter had fallen out with senior management at the station over his salary, no mention was made of the issue, with both Little and an RTÉ spokesperson unable to be contacted last night.
According to reports late last month, Mr Little has complained his salary is three times less than the €271,500 earned by his Prime Time colleague, Miriam O Callaghan, despite both anchors effectively doing the same job.
“During 18 happy years with RTÉ as a correspondent and presenter, my first love has always been reporting on global affairs.
“The rise of social media platforms like Youtube, Twitter and Facebook provides an opportunity for journalists to change the way we report the world,” read a statement from Mr Little.
“I would like to take a more direct role in that transformation. Unfortunately, that means taking a break from my work with Miriam and the Prime Time team who have been like a family to me.
“In particular, I would like to mention Miriam, who has been a great personal friend to me and someone who has taught me an amazing amount about broadcasting.”
The 41-year-old presenter has worked at RTÉ for almost 20 years.
