Oliver Callan reveals RTE salary as satirist replaces Ryan Tubridy on Radio 1

Satirist Oliver Callan is to replace Ryan Tubridy on RTE radio on an annual salary of €150,000 for the one-hour show, he confirmed yesterday.

The 43-year-old has stood in, alternating with Brendan Courtney, since Tubs, 50, was axed from his 9am weekday slot last summer.

Speculation around a new permanent host has been building since Tubridy’s contract was not renewed amid the payments scandal.

READ MORE – Ryan Tubridy ‘very excited’ to reunite with youngest daughter after London move

Callan announced his position to the nation on Brendan O’Connor’s RTE radio show and was quick to disclose his pay deal.

He said: “I might as well get it out of the way because people will ask… It’s a two-year contract for €150,000 a year.”

The broadcaster, best known for his biting political satire show Callan’s Kicks, described himself as an “accidental presenter” and “radio anorak”.

He said: “I feel great. I hope it’s not too much of a shock for people. I’m excited about it.

“I’m a real radio anorak and this is a coveted slot.” Callan revealed negotiations with Montrose bosses had been going on behind the scenes since before Christmas.

Oliver Callan

He added: “It hasn’t taken very long, it’s taken this length of time because there’s been a lot going on in RTE over the last few months.

“There are strategic decisions being made, the nine o’clock slot is probably small fry in the scale of things.”

On the challenge of the new role, he said: “It’s either life-changing or life-altering, I’ll find out.

“I agonised over it to be honest because I do comedy. It’s a big decision, not just the early mornings but being a presenter.

“I kind of think of myself as a writer. Sure we will give it a lash and see what happens.”

Callan revealed he’d messaged Tubridy, who now hosts a mid-morning show on UK’s Virgin Radio, when the RTE controversy broke.

He said: “Paparazzi outside his house – you just don’t expect that in Ireland and in Dublin.”

• Callan’s first show as full-time presenter of the Nine O’Clock Show airs on Monday, January 29.