Many Irish radio fans were shocked with the news three weeks ago that the self-proclaimed ‘King’ of Irish radio, Ray Foley, was to leave his lunchtime show on national station Today FM, to instead take over the breakfast show on Dublin local 98FM.
True to Irish form, the rumour mill wasn’t long going into overdrive, with people speculating that Foley had been demoted/fired etc.
Now, the radio presenter and host of TV3’s ‘Take Me Out’ has spoken out about his decision to move on from the show that made him a household name.
Writing on his blog after his final Today FM show last Friday, Foley said he “never really expected this day to happen”. He went on; “I always expected my departure from Today FM would be as a result of me finally crossing the uncrossable line (wherever that is) and being escorted to the front door by security with a box of my belongings turfed out behind me. Instead, it’s been a bittersweet end to what has been a brilliant time in our lives and we’re genuinely sad to go – but happy to be leaving on good terms.”
Foley denied any bad blood between himself and station bosses, saying; “We’ve done nearly everything we wanted to do at lunchtime and we should probably go and get excited about something else for a while before we get bored or unhappy and want to kill each other. So, we’re away for now.”
Longtime sidekick JP has moved with Ray to his new gig on 98FM, while producer Adelle will remain at Today FM and work with Ray’s successor KC, who is moving from an evening slot on the station.
Meanwhile, 98FM have also announced that they will be bringing another big name to the station – none other than Ryan Seacrest.
The ‘American Idol’ host presents a daily radio show from LA that is already syndicated across the globe – 98FM will be the first Irish station to broadcast the show, which will air Monday to Thursday from 7 to 9 each evening.
Seacrest, in: Ryan’s syndicated show will now be heard on 98FM
