RTÉ's director of television to resign

RTÉ MANAGING director of television Noel Curran is to resign his position to return to the private sector.

Mr Curran (44) made the surprise announcement yesterday. He was tipped as a potential successor to Cathal Goan as director general.

A statement by RTÉ said Mr Curran was leaving to “pursue other interests” and would be acting as a consultant to the broadcaster in the future. Mr Curran said he had “thoroughly enjoyed” his seven years as managing director of television.

A senior management source said Mr Curran was highly regarded within RTÉ and that his position of managing director of television was “widely regarded as the most demanding post within the organisation. . . He was firm, clear and very positive. Whether he was in current affairs or as MD of television, there was huge loyalty to him. He is regarded as a significant loss,” the source said.

Mr Curran will pursue a number of business ventures in media, having previously worked for a time in independent television. He is also likely to advise RTÉ on sports rights having been party to the negotiations with many sporting organisations in his seven years in charge.

A native of Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, Mr Curran got his first job in journalism in Business and Financemagazine 20 years ago. He joined RTÉ as a reporter in 1992 and later held the posts of current affairs editor and executive producer of The Late Late Show.After a period in the independent sector, he rejoined RTÉ as managing director of television.