Anton Savage a front-runner in race for Joe Duffy's ‘Liveline' slot as listenership figures on his Newstalk show soar
Newstalk presenter Anton Savage has been linked as a 'real contender' for the high-profile RTÉ Radio 1 slot.
In a clear break with tradition, which often sees the most lucrative gigs going to existing talent, RTÉ has put out a casting call for presenters to fill the Liveline role.
An RTÉ spokesperson said that 'nothing has been decided yet' and an expressions of interest process will take place shortly.
Savage previously worked with RTÉ Radio 1's head of audio Patricia Monahan during her time with Newstalk, who began her career with the station in 2002.
'He [Savage] has the right range of experience for the role and, like Joe, is very well-read. He would appeal to a younger demographic without being seen as alienating the older demographic, who are the bread-and-butter of Liveline,' said a source.
'Anton has proven he can mix the light with the shade. He can be light-hearted but has no issue grilling someone when the situation arises, like his recent interview with Kneecap's manager Daniel Lambert.'
Savage also has a proven track record in growing a particular radio slot. His most recent listenership for his weekend show on Newstalk revealed his Saturday morning slot has gained 10,000 listeners to come to 133,000. His Sunday show is also strong, gaining 5,000 listeners to come to 133,000; no mean feat when competing with a radio juggernaut like the Brendan O'Connor show.
He has presented numerous current affairs and magazine-style shows, in addition to fronting his own daily Today FM show, the station he quit in 2016.
He was also backed by fellow Newstalk presenter Ivan Yates, who recommended him for the gig on his podcast with Matt Cooper, Path to Power.
Katie Hannon, who is widely considered the main front-runner for the role, was praised as being a 'very good listener' during her time as a stand-in for Duffy.
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'What she'll have to do to match what Joe did – and it will be a very tough act to follow – is to have that little bit of mischievousness, to sort of incite, to provoke, to prod that little bit more, to get things going, which is the nature of it,' said Cooper.
When asked about being linked with the gig, Savage said that the 'phone hasn't rung'.
'I've not let a complete absence of any offers dissuade me from putting down some serious money in the bookies.'
He went on to say how he would be 'analysing my chances' on his weekend shows on Newstalk.
Other names in the running are Philip Boucher-Hayes and Q102's Kathryn Thomas.
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