Noel Curran is New Director-General of RTÉ | The Irish Film & Television Network

In announcing the appointment the Chairperson, Tom Savage, described an international search for a new DG as “exceptionally intensive and exhaustive”. He continued to say, “Noel has the editorial acumen, the cultural assurance, and the business flair to lead RTÉ into a new era of public service. In these especially challenging times, I am very pleased to announce his appointment and I wish Noel well as Director-General.”

Noel Curran’s experience in Irish media covers the print industry to senior management level in broadcasting and further includes production experience in Current Affairs and Entertainment programmes in addition to work in the independent production sector. A native of Co. Monaghan, he took a BA in Communications from Dublin City University before beginning work in the print media as a business journalist. He was Deputy Editor with Business and Finance before joining RTÉ in 1992.

In RTÉ Noel worked as a reporter, producer and editor in RTÉ Television. He was executive producer of the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin in 1997 and served two terms as Editor of Current Affairs in the News Division, where he established the Prime Time Investigates programme strand. Noel Curran joined RTÉ’s Executive as Managing Director of Television in 2003, and was the longest-serving managing director of RTÉ’s Television division by March 2010 when he left RTÉ to pursue a consultancy and other private business interests. He has also previously been a company director in the independent production sector in Ireland.

Noel Curran commented on his new position within the group saying: “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed Director-General. RTÉ has a unique role and a unique responsibility in Irish life. It also has a unique relationship with its audience. Whatever challenges lie ahead, I hope to see that bond strengthened.”

Miinister for Communications, Eamon Ryan congratulated Noel on his appointment, sayiong: “RTÉ continues to play a central role in the national conversation. Noel brings a wealth of experience and imagination to this position – strong investigative instincts coupled with an appreciation of the needs of the audience. I am confident that RTÉ will maintain the highest standards of public service broadcasting under his leadership.”

The Minister also thanked Cathal Goan for his years of service to Irish broadcasting, saying: “Cathal has left a legacy of achievement that cannot be undone. I thank him for his public service and know he will continue contributing to Irish life and language”.

The vacancy was announced in July with acceptance by the Board of the decision of the outgoing Director-General, Cathal Goan, to step down from his position having served his full seven-year term. Noel Curran will succeed Cathal Goan at the beginning of February 2011.

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