The ongoing turmoil in RTE over Ryan Tubridy's pay took a fresh twist today - when sources close to Tubridy disputed a statement made by RTE just hours earlier.
The former Late Late Show host's future on radio appeared to be in doubt when RTE said his contract came to an end when he stepped down from the TV chat show.
They said negotiations over his radio work had been 'paused' - but just hours later reports emerged that appeared to dispute the national broadcaster's outline of the situation.
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Reports emerged saying sources close to Ryan Tubridy - who is off air this week because of the ongoing controversy over payments to him - challenged RTE's statement and is understood to be taking legal advice.
Reports quoted the source saying Tubridy "does not accept" the contract is terminated.
"There is precedent for contracts of this nature that they are amended to reflect the fact the TV element of the contract is coming to an end - and that a value is assigned to TV and radio and that a new figure is agreed going forward".
The Irish Mirror is contacting Ryan Tubridy for comment. RTE refused to comment when asked about the latest development.
In a statement this morning, a spokesman for RTE said that the star is now out of his contract with the broadcaster after stepping down from the Late Late Show last month.
A spokesman said: "Ryan Tubridy stood down from The Late Late Show in May.
"RTE has written to his agent that the contract (including all arrangements therein) has come to an end. Negotiations have commenced regarding his radio responsibilities. Those negotiations have been paused as with all negotiations as per board statement."
Reacting to Tubridy rejecting his contract negotiations were suspended, Adrian Lynch clarified that Tubridy was still being paid by RTE and hasn't been terminated from the station.
Mr Lynch clarified, saying: "What I was saying was his radio and television contract went until the end of May. Then it was radio only and negotiations around that for the moment have been suspended.
"Ryan Tubridy is getting paid the radio portion of his contract."
