Up to twenty staff are to be let go at Phantom FM, the Dublin station which is a part of the Communicorp group owned by Denis O’Brien.
According to RTÉ Ten, the redundancies are part of a restructuring plan for the radio station. RTÉ is also reporting that the station may undergo a name change and move to an automated programming format.
Staff were informed at a meeting yesterday of the news.
Only three members of the current staff are said to have been kept on. This apparently includes Joe Donnelly, evening DJ Claire Beck and John Caddell, who is Head of Music at the station.
Chairman of Dublin Rock Radio Ltd, trading as Phantom FM, Trevor Bowen, said: “Phantom has been a labour of love that has paved the way for many up-and-coming bands over the years and, as a result, the station has a core loyal following.
“That is testament to each member of the Phantom team – whose personal passion for music shines through on a daily basis.
“It is with regret that we are announcing the station’s proposed restructuring plan to continue to deliver an alternative music service for young Dubliners.
“However, in doing so, we are ensuring the future of the offering and we aim to return to growth in the future. I would like to thank the team at Phantom for their ongoing dedication and patience during this difficult time.”
Staff were said to be shocked on hearing the news, some describing it as “like the Valentine’s Day massacre.”
