Ryan Tubridy on Finding Freedom After Leaving Traditional Media Formats

Ryan Tubridy says stepping away from traditional broadcasting formats has given him a sense of liberation and renewed control over his professional life.

In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Tubridy reflected on the aftermath of the RTÉ payment scandal, which came to light in summer 2023 when it was revealed the broadcaster had understated his pay by €345,000 between 2017 and early 2023. Rather than dwell on bitterness or regret, he described feeling largely grateful that the situation resolved as it did.

“I’d say largely gratitude that it turned out so well,” Tubridy said, emphasizing the word ‘well’. “At the time, I was going through probably all the stages of grieving you go through in life when something horrible happens to you. And then you assess, you reflect and you get the hell on with it.”

He added that moving forward has meant embracing new opportunities, including marrying his wife, former Rose of Tralee Clare Kambamettu, raising their daughters, and pursuing projects he enjoys without being tied to institutional structures.

“I’m not beholden to a machine. I’m happy,” Tubridy stated, noting that his current work life includes a selection-box of jobs he adores. Part of this renewed professional freedom is his podcast, The Bookshelf by Ryan Tubridy, which is now in its fifth season and described by him as a passion project that brings him joy.

“I like the freedom of a podcast. It is a very liberating thing to do after 20 years of being beholden to a system,” he said.

Tubridy’s departure from traditional radio has also paved the way for new ventures. After finishing his two-year stint at Virgin Radio UK in December 2025, where he hosted the weekday 10am to 1pm slot simulcast on Dublin’s Q102, he confirmed plans to launch a YouTube series titled The Late Show with Ryan Tubridy.

The programme, described as a look back at the lives of well-known figures in film, music, sport and television, will feature interviews with journalists, authors and other contributors who have in-depth knowledge of their subjects. It will be broadcast on YouTube and Times Radio, part of Rupert Murdoch’s News UK media empire.

News Broadcasting, part of News UK, confirmed the YouTube project would draw on its archive, while Tubridy referenced the upcoming move of the Oscars to YouTube from 2029 as validation of the platform’s growing significance in broadcasting.

In Ireland, Tubridy will also host a new weekend programme across the Onic network, including Dublin’s Q102, Cork’s 96FM, Limerick’s Live 95 and LMFM. The Irish weekend show will be speech-led, with music as part of the Sunday morning format, according to Onic Managing Director Sean Barry.

Reflecting on the transition, Tubridy said he could have spent his 50s wondering ‘what if?’ following the RTÉ scandal, but instead chose to reboot everything.

“I could have drifted into my 50s wondering ‘what if?’” he said, “or I could have just rebooted everything, which is what happened, thank God.”