Latest news with #GaryOwens
Irish Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Dublin Bus chief executive paid €276,000 for 2024
Dublin Bus paid its chief executive Billy Hann €276,000 in total last year, new figures from the State-owned public transport company show. The business, which provides most of the capital's public transport, boosted profits in 2024 to €3.8 million from €2.3 million the previous year, and had €50 million in net assets on December 31st. According to its annual report, Dublin Bus paid Mr Hann €276,000 in 2024, €1,000 more than during the previous year. That included a basic salary of €200,000 and 'post-retirement benefit costs' of €50,000, both of which were unchanged on 2023. READ MORE Mr Hann also received €23,000 social insurance last year, €1,000 more than in 2023, and €3,000 benefit in kind, which the accounts state was for the use of a company car. The accounts note that Mr Hann's pay was in line with guidelines for the chief executives of State companies. Government efforts to keep a lid on State company executives' pay are frequently debated on the grounds that such companies may have to boost salaries to lure talent. Overall, Dublin Bus paid its executives €2.5 million in 2024, up from €2.3 million the previous year. The company restructured executive management last year. It paid chairman Gary Owens €21,600 in fees while the rest of the board received €12,600 each, barring worker directors Stephen Hannan and Dermot Healy. The accounts state that neither received fees from the company last year. IATA Director General Willie Walsh on airline profits, air fares and why the Dublin Airport passenger cap makes Ireland a laughing stock Listen | 35:56 Dublin Bus grew its workforce to 4,224 last year from 3,940 as it expanded its business. Wages grade workers, mostly bus drivers, accounted for 249 of the 284 staff taken that the company hired. It employed 3,201 drivers last year, according to the annual report. Total wages, excluding directors, came to €268,020 last year from €241,348 in 2023, the report shows. Dublin Bus spent €919,000 on consultants in 2024, with the largest share, €635,000, going on 'organisational strategy'. Regulation and safety accounted for the next highest amount spent, at €155,000. The company increased services last year, focusing on key points of demand such as the airport and university, and as it implemented the BusConnects overhaul of its network. The report argues that this has benefited many areas, but notes the company recognises that it may need further refinements to ensure it meets all customers' needs. Mr Hann cautions in his statement that the company continues to face challenges 'particularly in relation to congestion, infrastructure and the need for ongoing investment in public transport'.
CBC
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Laugh-In announcer couldn't stop laughing during a commercial
Years ago, outtakes and bloopers of commercials would be snuck out of recording studios. But these days, advertisers are releasing outtakes, hoping the public will enjoy them, share them, and spend more time with the brand. A lot of funny moments happen in recording studios. When you work in the advertising business, you deal with a wide range of products. Some are fun, like soft drink and beer campaigns. Some are very serious, like public service announcements for charities. Then sometimes, you have to do your best for those rather delicate products. You may remember a performer named Gary Owens. He was the stentorian announcer on the Laugh-In comedy show, with his hand always cupped around his ear when reading a script. The late great Gary Owens had that rare ability to make something really funny by reading it perfectly straight. Except for this one time. He was hired to read a heartfelt Christmas message from the makers… of Preparation H: The world of advertising has some hilarious outtakes. Just like the movies, there are multiple takes, lots of pressure, and lots of mistakes. Sometimes actors get the words all mixed up to hilarious results. Sometimes celebrities have melt-downs. And sometimes, like Gary Owens, professional actors just break down in a fit of the giggles.
