It’s a busy afternoon in Montrose. Now comes news that 2fm boss John Clarke is stepping down from his position. Interestingly, the next JNLR book with up to date station listenership figures is due for publication later this month.

UPDATE: It’s now official. Full press statement below the fold

John Clarke, Head of RTÉ 2fm, has announced his decision to stand down as head of the station, confirming that he will not seek a renewal of his contract when it expires next year. Mr Clarke informed RTÉ of his decision in recent weeks, having steered the station through a recent strategic review process. Commenting on his decision, Mr Clarke said that with the review process now complete it was the right time to hand over station management into new hands.

Said Mr Clarke: “I became Head of RTÉ 2fm some 11 years ago. It has been a wonderful 11 years, both professionally and personally. RTÉ 2fm, as Ireland’s second national radio station, has maintained its position as Ireland’s most-listened-to music channel. This performance is something I am proud to have maintained in the face of unprecedented competition. But the key to staying at the top means recognising that nothing stands still, certainly not in the world of commercial music radio. I undertook the latest strategic review in the hope that it would confirm what is great about 2fm while crystallising the challenges that face it. The review has done both. Now is the time for a new vision for RTÉ 2fm.”

Clare Duignan, MD RTÉ Radio, paid tribute to John Clarke. She said: “John has shepherded RTÉ 2fm through turbulent waters over the last 11 years. Competition has emerged not only in Dublin, but locally all over the country, and nationally. RTÉ 2fm has held its crown. It remains a vibrant brand, the home of some of Ireland’s biggest radio shows, from Colm and Jim-Jim to Gerry Ryan to Will Leahy. Such sustained performance is due in no small part to John’s management of the station.”

Commenting on the recent strategic review of RTÉ 2fm, Ms Duignan said that the review was now complete. Its findings would now form a working blueprint for the future of the station. She continued: “I will not pre-empt at this early stage any definitive changes to 2fm. Such changes are now for the consideration of a new Head of RTÉ 2fm. Any changes on foot of the review will not take shape until 2010.”

RTÉ 2fm staff were today briefed that the review process had concluded, and John Clarke also announced to staff today his decision to stand-down.