'Barter' deals 'not the norm' at commercial radio stations

A source working in advertising at Bauer Media — which owns stations including Newstalk and Red FM — said they were 'unaware' of any of their broadcasters receiving a similar type of payment. Picture: Larry Cummins

Sources at Ireland's top commercial radio groups have said payments such as those received by Ryan Tubridy using the "barter account" are "unheard of".

While high-profile presenters may get perks as part of their job in broadcasting, or may earn separately to their presenting role, contractual agreements underwritten by the station are not commonplace, according to staff at Ireland's largest commercial radio groups Bauer Group and Wireless Group.