RTÉ appoints Mark Simpson as managing editor for Radio 1

RTÉ has announced the appointment of Mark Simpson as managing editor of RTÉ Radio 1.

Simpson joins the Radio 1 team from Bauer Media Audio Ireland, where he served as Deputy Managing Editor at Newstalk for over two decades. He acted as researcher, producer and editor for programmes such as The Right Hook, The Hard Shoulder, Lunchtime Live and As I Remember It: Bertie Ahern and the Good Friday Agreement.

When his role begins in September, Simpson will report to Tara Campbell, previous managing editor and current head of RTÉ Radio 1.

"We’d like to extend a very warm welcome to Mark Simpson as he joins the management team in RTÉ Radio 1," said Campbell of the appointment.

"The leadership skills and wide experience he brings from many years working at a senior level in Newstalk will be in demand as we navigate our way through a period of significant change."

As managing editor, Simpson will support Campbell in overseeing the production and management of content for the station, as well as handling the station's production schedules, budgets and resource plans.

"I am hugely excited to work alongside such a talented and dedicated group of producers, researchers, reporters and presenters," Simpson said.

"It is a huge honour to get to play a part in delivering this important public service to the people of Ireland each and every day and I can’t wait to get started."

A JNLR/Ipsos survey released today reported that RTÈ is the most listened to radio service in Ireland. With a weekly audience of 1.4 million listeners, RTÈ Radio 1 is its most popular station.

"A sincere thank you to our very hard-working teams and talented presenters across the schedule for creating the content...that our loyal and valued listeners tune in for every day," said Campbell of the data report, adding, "It's important today to think of our wonderful colleague, the late Seán Rocks."

Rocks, the voice of RTÉ Radio 1's Arena, died on July 31 at the age of 63.