UTV IRELAND LIVE presenter Chris Donoghue is set to quit his role as co-anchor of the programme.

This will see him stand down from the position in December, less than a year after he took up the role.

He will remain with UTV Ireland as the new presenter of Insight – a series of documentary programmes.

Donoghue currently co-presents the Newstalk Breakfast programme alongside Ivan Yates from 7am to 10am every weekday.

On his departure, the presenter has said, “Last week I resigned from Ireland Live News on UTV Ireland. I have been working across 19-hour days now for a year and something had to give.

However, I am happy about the subsequent offer of the Insight programme from management at UTV Ireland.

His appointment was considered a marquee signing for the fledgling station back in January.

Speaking about the change, Mary Curtis, head of channel at UTV Ireland, said, “We fully understand Chris’ decision and we are delighted to be continuing our relationship with such an exceptional journalist and broadcaster.”

UTV Ireland has been struggling for ratings recently against its competitors RTÉ and TV3.

Last month it was announced that Pat Kenny’s In The Round programme would not be renewed, and in June UTV Media estimated that the station could be set to endure losses of €16.3 million.

Read: Nine months in, UTV Ireland launches ‘new look’ to connect with their audience

Also: Pat Kenny’s show on UTV Ireland has been given the axe

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