Cathal Goan Steps down as DG of RTÉ | The Irish Film & Television Network

Speaking after the meeting the Chair of the board, Tom Savage noted:"It is with regret that we accept Cathal Goan's decision not to seek an extension to his seven-year term as Director-General of RTÉ. Throughout his seven years Cathal retained the sensibilities of a programme maker. Despite the obvious managerial responsibilities of the role, he always understood that programmes and the audience are what RTÉ is here for.

”Cathal has been Director-General during a period of enormous change. He led the reorganisation of RTÉ during a very difficult financial restructuring soon after taking office; he has been central to making RTÉ a true multimedia leader by investing in digital and online technologies; and his experience, care and leadership has been invaluable during the past 18 months as RTÉ had to adjust to a new and difficult economic environment. Cathal remains passionate about and has a unique understanding of the special role that RTÉ has in Irish cultural life.

”He has left an indelible mark not just on RTÉ, but as the only person to have run both of Ireland’s public service broadcasters, on Irish public service broadcasting as a whole. On behalf of the Board and all the staff, I thank him for his exceptional service and wish him the very best in what I am sure will be an exciting and fulfilling future.”

Cathal Goan is a native of Belfast, a graduate of University College Dublin. He joined RTÉ in 1979. Initially working with RTÉ Radio as a Producer and Senior Producer he moved to RTÉ TV in 1988, starting in Current Affairs before being appointed Editor of Cúrsaí, the Irish language current affairs and arts programme; in 1990 he was appointed Editor, Irish Language Programming. Cathal was appointed Ceannasaí of Teilifís na Gaeilge in August 1994 and oversaw the establishment of the channel, Ireland's third national television service. He was appointed Director of RTÉ Television and a member of the RTÉ Executive Board in March 2000. He was appointed RTÉ Director-General in July 2003.

The RTÉ Board will advertise for the position of Director-General within the next few weeks. Cathal Goan has agreed to stay in place until the process to select his successor is completed. Rory Coveney, Senior Communications Manager for RTÉ tells IFTN that both external and internal applications will be accepted for the position.

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