RTE announce major TV shake-up after Joanna Donnelly departs from the station

RTE has announced a major TV shake-up among its presenters as the station names its latest correspondent. Fergal O’Brien has been named as the station’s new Business Correspondent after the recent departure of Will Goodbody.

The Business Correspondent for RTE News covers a wide brief, including banking, retail, aviation, hospitality and stock markets. Fergal said: "I’m delighted to have been appointed to the role of RTE Business Correspondent at such a pivotal time for the business community in Ireland.

"As I take on the position, I’m conscious that there is much uncertainty facing the Irish and global economies. The impact of the planned tariffs from the US administration has the potential to be the biggest challenge facing many businesses, households and indeed the State since Brexit and the financial crash.

"Business crosses every sector and has an impact on all of our lives, and as part of my new role, I will hope to visit as many businesses as I can across the country, to tell the stories of those directly impacted by wider decisions."

The Mayo native has worked as a multimedia journalist in RTE for the last seven years since October 2018 and has been across TV, radio and online news including RTE’s Six One News, Nine O’Clock News, News at One on RTE Radio 1 and RTE online.

The host studied Economics at Independent Colleges in Dublin, and Business and Psychology at Dublin Business School, as well Criminology and Criminal Psychology at City Colleges in Dublin.

He began his media career at a local radio station MidWest Radio and went on to work in Today FM and Newstalk before joining TV3. With over 20 years of broadcasting experience, Fergal has reported extensively on key issues that have faced the country including the financial crash, Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as major events and elections.

Fergal will be taking on the role this summer. His new role comes after Will Goodbody bid farewell to RTE in December after 21 years. He now works in communications for AIB.

RTE also appointed David Murphy as the senior role of Economics and Public Affairs Editor. He will manage the RTE News Business Unit team and coverage. David previously held the role of Economics and Public Affairs Correspondent.

The new shake up to presenters come after Met Eireann said goodbye to Joanna Donnelly earlier this month. It is unclear if the meteorologist will be replaced.

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