RTÉ confirms key appointment as successful candidate joins from rival broadcaster

RTÉ has announced the appointment of Mark Simpson as the new Managing Editor of RTÉ Radio 1 - Ireland's most-listened to radio station.

The veteran broadcaster and radio executive will officially take up the role in September, reporting to the Head of RTÉ Radio 1, Tara Campbell.

Simpson is joining RTE Radio 1, home to some of the country’s most beloved shows such as Morning Ireland, Liveline, and Today with Claire Byrne. It has a weekly reach of over 1.4 million listeners, RTÉ Radio 1 is the most-listened to radio station in Ireland, underscoring Mark’s experience and reputation in the industry.

The incoming Managing Editor brings with him over two decades of editorial and production experience from Bauer Media Audio Ireland, where he most-recently worked as Deputy Managing Editor of Newstalk.

During his time there, he held a wide variety of roles including researcher, producer, and editor on some of Newstalk's flagship shows such as The Right Hook, The Hard Shoulder, Lunchtime Live, and The Anton Savage Show.

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In his new role at RTÉ, Simpson will help lead the development and management of RTÉ Radio 1’s content schedule, as well as supporting the station’s production planning, resource allocation, staff performance, and implementation of RTÉ’s five-year strategy.

Mark was also a key member of the editorial management team at Newstalk and in 2023, Mark served as Executive Producer of the acclaimed Newstalk original podcast As I Remember It: Bertie Ahern and the Good Friday Agreement, which explored one of the most significant political agreements in Irish history through the lens of former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

Simpson holds a BA in History and Politics from University College Dublin and a postgraduate diploma in Journalism and Media from Griffith College Dublin.

Commenting on the appointment, Head of RTÉ Radio 1, Tara Campbell said Mark's leadership and wealth of experience from Newstalk will be in demand as we navigate our way through a period of significant change.

Simpson expressed excitement at the opportunity, describing it as a “huge honour” to join a team delivering such an important public service.