Fresh from its coup in landing Claire Byrne as its new star, Newstalk could now find some of its own talent targeted in what was yesterday described as a “generational” shake-up of RTÉ radio, writes Niamh Walsh.

Montrose sources said a massive shake-up at RTÉ Radio 1 is on the cards following Byrne’s defection to its independent rival, which follows Joe Duffy’s recent retirement.

The Irish Mail on Sunday has also learned Byrne made the decision to quit the national broadcaster “months ago”.

Her high-profile departure has now paved the way for the biggest overhaul of RTÉ’s radio schedule in decades.

Ironically, these changes are being driven by RTÉ’s director of audio Patricia Monahan and recently-appointed managing editor Mark Simpson, both former Newstalk executives.

And it is understood the national broadcaster is targeting outside talent as part its radio overhaul, with Ms Monahan’s Newstalk protégé Kieran Cuddihy and former Today FM breakfast presenter Dave Whelan among the big names tipped to join RTÉ.

Newstalk and Today FM are both owned by Bauer Media Audio Ireland, a subsidiary of German media group Bauer Media.

On Friday, Byrne confirmed her move to RTÉ’s independent rival – where she will join former RTÉ heavyweight Pat Kenny – in a deal sources say is worth in the region of €2m over the next three years.

But Byrne and Duffy’s departures have now cleared the way for a huge clear-out at Montrose enabling it to install “a totally new regime”.

And the newly-installed heads of RTÉ radio are understood to be intent on capitalising on the opportunity to “entirely reshape the narrative” around public broadcasting radio.

A source said: “The departures of Claire and Joe are a loss, obviously, on a micro level. Claire more so than Joe.

“RTÉ Radio 1 has been in need of reshaping for many, many years. But there was never really any opportunity to totally overhaul the schedule and breathe new life into programming and presenters.

“It’s not just the public face of the station that’s changed; behind the scenes in terms of management and producers there are new sheriffs in town.”

Sources said the new radio management have ambitious long-term plans for the station.

“There’s kind of ‘Radio 1 2035’ plan that will set the direction of the station for the next decade,” one source said.

Insiders said the changes are part of RTÉ’s strategy to win back “public trust” after it became engulfed in a series of financial scandals in the wake of revelations about secret payments to Ryan Tubridy.

“RTÉ not only want to, but have to, reset the dial,” one station insider noted.

“They firstly have to build back public trust, which was hammered during the whole Ryan Tubridy debacle.

“They also have to hang on to their existing audience while also trying to entice the younger 35-plus professional listener over to RTÉ.

“Now – and this is the kicker – this has to be done within the boundaries of very restrictive financial restraints.”

Claire Byrne’s decision to quit RTÉ was partly down to management’s refusal to budge on her remuneration.

Under reforms brought in by director general Kevin Bakhurst, presenters’ pay has been capped at €250,000.

It is understood Byrne’s decision was also influenced by recent upheavals and uncertainty at RTÉ.

“Claire’s decision to move wasn’t purely based on money,” a source said. “That said, she wants to feel valued… so she went off and negotiated a far better deal for herself with Newstalk.

“Fair play to her. She knows her value and she stuck to it.”

Another source added: “This may have come as a shock to some people in RTÉ, but in some quarters it’s been known for some time that she [Byrne] wanted out.”

One friend of the presenter said she made the decision to quit months ago: “Claire decided a few months back she wasn’t going to sign a new contract with RTÉ.

“So once she had made the decision, she began negotiations with Newstalk. I’m delighted for her.”

RTÉ are understood to have offered Ms Byrne a “take-it-or-leave-it” contract worth just under €250,000, but this proved to be a deal breaker.

An RTÉ source said the director general of the taxpayer and licence fee-funded broadcaster is both “unable and unwilling” to move on the issue of star presenters’ remuneration.

“Kevin Backhurst has been very clear; nobody will get paid more than the DG [director general].

“He has, and will continue, to remain unwavering on this commitment.”

When contacted, Claire Byrne declined to comment.