Pat Kenny signs off after more than four decades of daily radio

A notable moment of vulnerability surfaced during veteran broadcaster Pat Kenny’s final weekday radio show, as the host acknowledged feeling “a bit overwhelmed” by the outpouring of well wishes from listeners. The emotional response came as Kenny prepared to step down from his 9am-noon slot on Newstalk, a position he’d held since a 2013 departure from RTÉ after 41 years with the national broadcaster.

A Long Career Nearing a Transition

Kenny, who began his broadcasting career with RTÉ in 1972 as a part-time radio announcer, isn’t retiring entirely. He is slated to continue with Newstalk, hosting a weekend show starting in March. However, this marks a significant shift away from the weekday morning slot he’s occupied for decades across both Newstalk and RTÉ.

Did You Know? Pat Kenny joined RTÉ as a part-time radio announcer in 1972 and remained with the broadcaster for 41 years.

Reflecting on a Broadcasting Philosophy

Throughout the three-hour broadcast, Kenny largely maintained his characteristic restraint, though he did share a childhood memory of his father’s conflicting advice – that self-praise is undesirable, yet ambition requires self-promotion. The program featured excerpts from interviews conducted over the past 12 years, including conversations with Bono, Bill Clinton, and Michael Parkinson, who reminisced about his friend Gay Byrne.

Kenny’s interviewing style, described as “take-no-prisoners” and fact-focused, has been a hallmark of his success on Newstalk, offering a distinct contrast to some of the approaches at RTÉ. However, his directness wasn’t always well-received, as evidenced by criticism of his questioning of young tractor enthusiasts during a Late Late Toy Show appearance.

An Outpouring of Appreciation

While Kenny himself downplayed the occasion, guests on the show expressed their gratitude and admiration. Stuart Clark, deputy editor of Hot Press magazine, spoke of the pleasure of discussing pop music with Kenny, prompting the host to quote Abba’s “Thank you for the music.” BBC world-affairs editor John Simpson also conveyed his respect, calling it “a great honour” to be interviewed by Kenny.

Expert Insight: The emotional responses from guests highlight the respect Kenny has cultivated within the broadcasting community, demonstrating the impact a consistent, fact-based approach can have over a decades-long career.

At 78 years old, Kenny indicated his intention to continue broadcasting, responding to Simpson’s well wishes with a promise of future conversations on weekend shows. This suggests a continued commitment to radio despite the change in his weekday schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted Pat Kenny to leave RTÉ?

Pat Kenny “sensationally left” RTÉ in 2013 to join Newstalk, after 41 years with the national broadcaster.

Will Pat Kenny be leaving radio altogether?

No, Pat Kenny will continue to host a weekend show on Newstalk, starting in March.

Who were some of the notable guests featured during Kenny’s final weekday broadcast?

Excerpts from interviews with Bono, Bill Clinton, and Michael Parkinson were played during the broadcast, and Stuart Clark and John Simpson appeared as guests.

As Pat Kenny transitions to a new chapter in his broadcasting career, what qualities do you believe are most essential for a long and successful run in radio?

Pat Kenny signs off after more than four decades of daily radio – The Irish Times