A DEAL signed by RTE's 2FM broadcaster Gerry Ryan on Friday averted his departure, along with a substantial part of his production team, to Radio Ireland.
But one of RTE's other big radio audience-pullers, Gay Byrne, will be gone within a year. He is opting for retirement rather than departure for another station.
Radio Ireland had offered Gerry Ryan a structured deal which would have earned him close to Pounds 1 million over three years. It would also have given him editorial control over the morning programme he was planning to present.
According to Mr Kevin Healy RTE's Head of Radio, the deal does not match Radio Ireland's in monetary terms.
He said it contained a confidentiality clause and he could not discuss the remuneration package.
But it is understood that it will come close to the Radio Ireland offer over a longer period and will include a television programme.
Several members of the production team were also negotiating contracts with Radio Ireland to produce a morning radio programme, presented by Mr Ryan, along the lines of the programme he presents on 2FM.
"Issues like security and money were fairly well addressed," said one member of the team. But without Mr Ryan they will not be going.
The deal is the result of a personal intervention by an RTE senior executive, Mr Liam Miller who called to Mr Ryan's home on his way to Dublin Airport about a month ago, and asked him not to sign a contract with Radio Ireland until RTE could make an offer.
Meanwhile, Gay Byrne has said he will remain presenting both his radio programme three mornings a week and The Late Late Show for another year.
His wife, Kathleen, said: "I didn't expect another year. I only really had a hint of that last week."
Three of RTE's senior programme-makers were reassigned on Friday.
Mr Peter Feeney, head of current affairs, Mr Niall Matthews, head of light entertainment and Mr Mick McCarthy, head of features, were all informed they would be changing positions though all remain as producers.
Mr Healy said these changes were to be expected since Mr Joe Mulholland had recently been appointed as managing director of television programming. "He would want to make changes," he said.