98FM star Suzanne Kane’s airtime absence is due to rift with co-host Brian Dowling
The 98FM star hasn’t been heard on the airwaves in nearly six weeks as the station bosses scramble to find a solution to the situation
The relationship between 98FM’s Suzanne Kane and co-host Brian Dowling is said to have broken down
Brian’s Insta account includes a recent snap with 98FM’s Pat Gill (right)
Popular radio presenter Suzanne Kane has not been on air for weeks — and the Sunday World has learned that her absence is due to a breakdown in her relationship with her co-host Brian Dowling.
The 98FM star hasn’t been heard on the airwaves in nearly six weeks as the station bosses scramble to find a solution to the situation.
An insider told the Sunday World that “the two [presenters] do not get along and so Suzanne decided to leave. She was at her wits’ end.”
Our source continued: "It has been ongoing for a while.
“Everyone in here hopes it gets sorted, as I know there is an investigation going on. Everyone wants to see her back.
Brian’s Insta account includes a recent snap with 98FM’s Pat Gill (right)
“I have no idea if she is on paid leave. But I honestly don’t think she will work with Brian again. That’s what I have heard.”
When contacted on Friday, the 44-year-old Dubliner refused to comment about the current situation.
Because she is off the air, all we have heard from her in recent weeks is from the limited posts she has put up on her social media showing herself and her family recently spending time in London, where they took in a whole host of family attractions including Matilda the Musical in the West End.
Our source claimed that Brian was also feeling the stress of the situation, despite a recent Instagram post celebrating two years at the station where he posed with 98FM managing editor Pat Gill.
In a post on March 18, just a few weeks after Suzanne had asked for time away, Dowling posted pictures from New York City with the caption “I will not be judged by you or society” and said it is important to live life with “utterly no regrets”.
Despite his limited radio experience prior to joining 98FM, Big Brother star Brian joined the show in March 2023 and hit it off with seasoned pro Suzanne as the pair helped bring the station’s mid-morning slot up in the ratings, adding to the high listenership Suzanne had won for two years prior to Dowling’s arrival.
However, since the end of February Kane’s seat has been filled by several stand-in presenters while the matter is being resolved by the bosses.
The Sunday World contacted the station’s owners, Bauer Media, and asked a series of questions.
We asked bosses if the rumours were true and whether or not any investigation is nearing an end. We also asked if both presenters had a future at the station.
A spokeswoman for Bauer Media Audio Ireland immediately replied: “In response to your query, we do not comment on those employed or engaged by Bauer Media Audio Ireland.”
