RTÉ annual report reveals executives dominate broadcaster's highest earners list

RTÉ deputy director general Adrian Lynch, director general Kevin Bakhurst and board chairman Terence O'Rourke arriving for a meeting communications minister Patrick O'Donovan in Dublin over recent pay revelations. Picture: File picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

RTÉ executives make up nine of the 10 highest earners in the organisation, according to the broadcaster's 2025 annual report.

According to the remuneration list contained in the report, former presenter Claire Byrne, who earned €280,000, is the only on-air talent among the top earners in 2025.

RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst has committed to capping pay at the same basic salary level of €250,000 as his own, though his pay is expected to rise to €270,000 in the future.

Mr Bakhurst was RTÉ's highest earner in 2025, receiving total remuneration of €339,538, comprising his basic salary, €62,500 in pension payments, €25,000 in allowances and €2,038 in other payments.

Adrian Lynch, deputy director general, earned a total of €293,627, while Richard Waghorn, chief technology officer (CTO), received €291,160. Deirdre McCarthy, director of news and current affairs, earned €285,063.

Mari Hurley, who resigned as chief financial officer earlier this year, received €276,344, while Steve Carson, director of video, earned €276,282. 

Eimear Cusack, HR director, received €274,721, while Gavin Deans, RTÉ's commercial director since the end of 2023, earned €269,055. 

Patricia Monahan, RTÉ’s director of audio in 2024, also received €269,055.

Leadership pay explained

An RTÉ spokesperson said the publication of remuneration details for the broadcaster's leadership team in its annual reports followed a commitment made by Mr Bakhurst in 2023.

"The figures published in RTÉ's 2025 Annual Report include pension payments and allowances where they exist," the broadcaster said."

"So, remuneration is made up of salary, pension and allowances (in five cases). Newly appointed members of the Leadership Team had no allowances such as car allowances on top of their salaries. RTÉ added the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer role in 2025 following the EAC Report recommendation. 

"Please also note that a number of Leadership Team members were appointed in 2024, so salary / pension details cover part of that year."

Improved financial performance

When RTÉ publishes its 2025 annual report following Cabinet approval on Tuesday, it will announce a surplus of €22.5m, compared with €5.5m in 2024.

"The stronger financial performance reflects continued resilience in commercial revenues, robustly controlled headcount costs, the delivery of additional in-year cost savings, and the deferral of certain planned projects into 2026," a statement said.