Where is Dee Forbes Now? Who is Dee Forbes?
by M Nishali
Updated Feb 01, 2024
Where is Dee Forbes Now?
Dee Forbes, the former Director General of RTÉ, has maintained a low public profile since her resignation in June 2023 amid a payment controversy involving broadcaster Ryan Tubridy. And her current activities and whereabouts are not publicly disclosed.
Born on February 1, 1967, in Drimoleague, County Cork, Ireland, Forbes had a notable career in the media industry. She served as the Director General of RTÉ from April 2016 to June 2023, making history as the first woman to hold this role and the first external appointment in nearly 50 years. Prior to her tenure at RTÉ, Forbes held the position of President and Managing Director of Discovery Networks Northern Europe.
The controversy leading to Forbes' resignation emerged in June 2023 when it was revealed that RTÉ had paid broadcaster Ryan Tubridy €345,000 more than publicly declared between 2017 and 2022. Forbes was suspended from her position a day before the public disclosure and later defended her record in a statement. However, she ultimately resigned with immediate effect on June 26, 2023.
Since stepping down from her role at RTÉ, Dee Forbes has chosen to remain out of the public eye, and information about her current activities and location has not been disclosed. It is common for public figures, especially after resignations or controversies, to seek privacy and take a break from public life.
In summary, Dee Forbes' current whereabouts and activities remain undisclosed following her resignation from RTÉ in June 2023. After a career marked by significant achievements and challenges, she has opted for a period of privacy away from the public spotlight.
Who is Dee Forbes?
Dee Forbes, born on February 1967, is an Irish broadcasting executive widely recognized for her role as the Director General of RTÉ from April 2016 to June 2023. Notably, she made history as the first woman in nearly 50 years to hold this prestigious position. Prior to her leadership at RTÉ, Forbes served as the President and Managing Director of Discovery Networks Northern Europe.
Raised in Drimoleague, County Cork, Ireland, Forbes grew up in a family of four siblings. Her parents, Vincent and Mackie, ran a village bar. She attended local and boarding schools before studying history and politics at University College Dublin.In June 2023, Forbes faced a controversy when it was revealed that RTÉ had undisclosed payments to broadcaster Ryan Tubridy, leading to her suspension a day before the public disclosure.
Despite defending her record, she chose to resign immediately.Dee Forbes' significant contribution to Irish media, her groundbreaking position at RTÉ, and the controversies surrounding her resignation have marked her career in the public eye. Since stepping down, she has maintained a low profile with her current whereabouts and activities undisclosed.
Name
Dee Forbes
Born
Deirdre Anne Forbes
Date of Birth
February 1967
Age
57
Birthplace
Drimoleague, Cork, Ireland
Nationality
Irish
Residence
Dublin, Ireland
Alma Mater
University College Dublin
Occupation
Former Broadcasting Executive
Career Highlight
Director General of RTÉ (April 2016 - June 2023)
Dee Forbes Career
Dee Forbes has had a diverse and influential career in the media industry. Born on February 1, 1967, in Drimoleague, County Cork, Ireland, Forbes embarked on her professional journey after graduating in 1989. She began her career in the United Kingdom, securing a position with the major advertising agency Young and Rubicam.
Forbes's career took a significant turn when she joined Turner Broadcasting's European business, where she spent 14 years. During her tenure, she held various roles, including heading sales of advertising. She later assumed the responsibility of managing the business in the UK and Ireland. This division encompassed seven entertainment channels, such as Cartoon Network, Boomerang, and TCM, contributing to a broad audience reach.
Following her impactful stint with Turner Broadcasting, Forbes transitioned to Discovery Networks Northern Europe, where she served as President and Managing Director. In this role, she led the Western European operation, overseeing 18 markets, 27 television brands, and catering to an audience of 270 million households.
On April 1, 2016, Forbes achieved a significant milestone in her career. It was announced that she would succeed Noel Curran as the Director General of RTÉ, marking her entry into the realm of Irish public broadcasting. Her appointment was historic, making her the first woman to hold the position in almost 50 years.
However, Forbes's time as Director General faced challenges. In June 2023, a controversy emerged involving undisclosed payments to broadcaster Ryan Tubridy, leading to Forbes's suspension from her position. She defended her actions but ultimately resigned on June 26, 2023, citing her efforts to negotiate cost savings for RTÉ while retaining Tubridy's services.
Beyond her role at RTÉ, Forbes was involved in other significant positions. She served as a non-executive member of The Irish Times board from 2013 to 2015 and contributed to Childline and Munster Rugby boards.Despite the challenges and controversies, Dee Forbes's career has been marked by impactful leadership roles and contributions to the media landscape.
Dee Forbes Illness
Former RTE Director General Dee Forbes, central to the Ryan Tubridy payments scandal, sent a medical certificate to the Dail Public Accounts Committee, stating she remains unfit to testify. The move followed PAC members contemplating legal action to compel her appearance, a matter discussed in a closed-door meeting. Forbes's solicitor provided the doctor's note, which didn't disclose her specific illness.
While the PAC acknowledged the certificate, they remain determined to have Forbes explain her involvement in Tubridy's payment controversy. Forbes resigned in June 2023 amid the scandal involving undisclosed payments and the handling of Tubridy's salary information. Despite serious questions about her role, the PAC decided to postpone any legal action to allow her more time for recovery.
Forbes has been unwell for over five months, and her health has been a point of concern. The committee expressed the need for her cooperation, emphasizing that the people of Ireland who paid her wages deserve answers. Forbes's illness and absence from testifying raise questions about her future involvement, and the PAC may consider legal action if her cooperation is not secured in the future. Forbes is currently recuperating at her home in west Cork.
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Dee Forbes Salary
Dee Forbes's salary became a topic of discussion and controversy during her tenure as the Director General of RTÉ, the national public service media organization in Ireland. The issue arose in June 2023 when it was revealed that RTÉ had paid broadcaster Ryan Tubridy €345,000 more than what was publicly declared between 2017 and 2022.
Dee Forbes, as the Director General, played a key role in discussions related to Tubridy's contract and payments. The controversy involved efforts to make cost savings for RTÉ by negotiating a contractual payment due to Tubridy while also aiming to retain Tubridy's services with a 15% cost-cutting target in mind.
The chair of RTÉ's board described the undisclosed payments as a "serious breach of trust with the public," and Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media Catherine Martin deemed it unacceptable that transparency and accountability standards had not been met.
As a result of the controversy, Dee Forbes was suspended from her position on June 21, 2023, a day before the issue became public. She defended her record in a statement and ultimately resigned with immediate effect on June 26, 2023. Forbes's resignation statement highlighted her role in the negotiations with Tubridy's agent and other RTÉ senior executives.
She expressed the intention to achieve cost savings for RTÉ while securing Tubridy's continued services. Forbes lamented the way the matter was addressed and criticized her treatment. The controversy not only led to Forbes's resignation but also prompted discussions at the Oireachtas Media Committee and Public Accounts Committee. Forbes declined to attend these meetings, citing health reasons and providing a confidential doctor's letter.
The situation shed light on the importance of transparency in public service organizations and raised questions about governance and financial practices within RTÉ. The aftermath of Forbes's resignation sparked further scrutiny and discussions about accountability in the public broadcasting sector in Ireland.
Where is Dee Forbes Now - FAQs
Dee Forbes' current activities and whereabouts are not publicly disclosed since her resignation from RTÉ in June 2023.
Dee Forbes resigned from her position as Director General of RTÉ on June 26, 2023, amid a payment controversy involving broadcaster Ryan Tubridy.
The controversy involved undisclosed payments to broadcaster Ryan Tubridy, with RTÉ paying him €345,000 more than publicly declared between 2017 and 2022.
Dee Forbes was suspended from her position on June 21, 2023, a day before the public disclosure of the controversy surrounding payments to Ryan Tubridy.
Since stepping down from her role at RTÉ, Dee Forbes has chosen to remain out of the public eye, and information about her current activities and location has not been disclosed.