Update 1.50pm
EAMON DUNPHY HAS announced that he’s quitting his job at Newstalk, calling the atmosphere at the station ‘inhospitable’ for journalists to work in.
A member of Newstalk staff has told TheJournal.ie that the first many employees heard about Dunphy’s departure when they opened the Irish Daily Star this morning, which carries Kieran Cunningham’s exclusive story.
Dunphy said that journalists have been encouraged to “put a positive spin on the news agenda” and he’s criticised budget cuts at the station.
The Irish Daily Star also reports that Dunphy’s decision to walk from Newstalk is linked to Sam Smyth’s departure from Today FM, which broadcasts from the same building as Newstalk and is also owned by Denis O’Brien’s Communicorp. Dunphy has called the dropping of Smyth’s show “deeply worrying”.
A couple of weeks ago Dunphy used his Newstalk show to speak out about Smyth leaving Today FM.
Last week Labour Senator John Whelan criticised members of the media for failing to show public support for Sam Smyth in the wake of the news of his sacking.
Newstalk CEO Frank Cronin has confirmed to TheJournal.ie that Dunphy is leaving the station, and has wished him the very best.
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