Ray D’Arcy's departure raises question of 'what', not 'who', should replace him

Despite predictions of its demise, radio can still play a role in this period of the world's rapid and radical transformation, writes Roddy Flynn

The abrupt departure of Ray D'Arcy from the RTÉ Radio 1 schedules this week prompted intense media debate about “who” could or should replace him. File picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

The abrupt departure of Ray D'Arcy from the RTÉ Radio 1 schedules this week prompted intense media debate about “who” could or should replace him. 

That his exit comes after a two-year period which has seen the departure of Aine Lawlor, Mary Wilson, Ryan Tubridy, Claire Byrne, Ronan Collins, Joe Duffy and — with his untimely demise — Sean Rocks from their established slots has prompted speculation about a root and branch re-imagining of who might represent the face of RTÉ Radio One.