The executive board at Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ, is being stood down as part of a series of changes introduced by the newly appointed director general, Kevin Bakhurst. In his first email to staff since assuming the role on Monday, Bakhurst outlined his plans for the organization’s future.

A temporary interim leadership team will be put in place to ensure the smooth operation of RTÉ until a permanent board is established, according to Bakhurst’s announcement. The decision comes as RTÉ faces scrutiny following the discovery of undisclosed payments made to its top presenter last month.

A recent audit of RTÉ’s finances revealed that Ryan Tubridy had received €345,000 (£296,800) more than publicly declared between 2017 and 2022. The revelations sparked concern and prompted the need for changes in the broadcaster’s leadership.

Kevin Bakhurst succeeds former director general Dee Forbes, who resigned on 26 June. In his message to staff, Bakhurst emphasized his dedication to working closely with them, ensuring a commitment to delivering a public service that the organization can be proud of.

Further details about the interim leadership team will be provided later on Monday. Bakhurst also announced that the salaries of the executive and interim leadership team at RTÉ will be made public, along with the earnings of the network’s ten highest-paid presenters, starting with the Annual Report 2023.

To foster greater openness and transparency, a register of interests will be established for both staff and contractors at RTÉ. These measures aim to restore public confidence in the broadcaster, as highlighted by Tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Micheál Martin.

Martin emphasized that RTÉ, as a national broadcaster that challenges other institutions, should lead in terms of equality and inclusion. He stated that confidence in RTÉ begins with its own staff and board and can then extend to the Oireachtas (Irish parliament), the audience, the independent production sector, and the public.

Kevin Bakhurst is scheduled to appear before the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee on Thursday, where he will discuss the ongoing changes and future plans for RTÉ.