Lots happens in the radio industry each week so here’s a summary of the week we just enjoyed.
Here’s what happened
The 2 Johnnies will be returning to 2FM. The presenters were on air with a new drive time show for just 3 days in February, before they were taken off air as a result of a sexist segment on their podcast.
I’ll be really interested to see how this turns out as it could really go either way. The show is strong and there’s now more awareness of its existence, but a lot may now have a negative view of the show.
We can only wait and see how it goes. The JNLR numbers will tell a lot here.
“On the back of what was a very intense week, and having issued an apology and clarification of the events which occurred, we are extremely excited about returning to our daily drivetime show. We had a great welcome at 2fm last week and are eager to work with Dan and the 2fm family again, acknowledging the lessons we’ve learned and committing to put these into action. Coming from a different environment it is a privilege to get the chance to have a national conversation five days a week, and we appreciate that with this comes great responsibility and a lot is now expected of us. We are determined to create a successful radio show and work with everyone in 2fm to show the nation the best of us. We would like to thank 2fm for working through this with us”.
The 2 Johnnies commenting on their shows return
RedFM launched their new breakfast show this week, but it’s basically the same show just with different hosts. Both the secret sound and instagrand remain, and there are no new major format elements.
The imaging didn’t change either except for a new bed that seems to be used in all links. In general, it’s the total opposite to the big welcome that the 2 Johnnies got.
Ciara is very capable as the main presenter, and it would seem that Rob and Laura are taking a Co presenter role. I still think the show needed a format change, but ultimately it’s numbers and not opinions that matter.
I look forward to seeing how the show performs against KC and Ross over the next while. The shows are incredibly similar at this point so it’s going to be a real test of presenting style which is always interesting.
Broadcaster Eoghan McDermott was in the news this week after he tweeted a legal letter related to allegations that were made against him.
“A few months ago, false allegations were made about me. Despite not being investigated or verified, these allegations were spread widely, the effects of which I am still processing.”
Eoghan McDermott via his Twitter account, @eoghanMcDermo
I’d highly recommend you read the letter that Eoghan tweeted. You can find it in the Twitter thread linked below. It’s unclear if Eoghan plan’s to return to broadcasting, And RTÉ aren’t commenting.
Read the tweets and letter here
Read RTE’s coverage of the story here
Usually we only have 3 main stories, but this week we’re giving you an extra one. This story is off the beaten track a bit, but it’s too interesting to get relegated to Quick Bits.
This story starts way back in 1947. It was the night of the All Ireland Final, the first time the match had been played outside of Ireland. Telly in ireland was still many years away, so that was the night that radio showed it’s true potential.
It was an outside broadcast of sorts. At 8pm Irish time, Micheal O’Hehir took to the airwaves to commentate the match live from New York. This was an event that would change the life of one young boy, listening to the match on a portable radio from here in Ireland.
That young boy was Pat Herbert, who later started Ye Old Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio.
This was a man who loved radio, and it all started on one night way back in 1947. The radio on that night changed a life for 73 years, a crazy thought when we think about it.
But why are we talking about this now? Well, pat died in 2020, and on Tuesday his personal radio collection will be sold at auction.
The reason I find this fascinating is I think it’s a great reminder of the power of radio. It’s also a lesson to push the boundaries a bit from time to time.
If they can broadcast from New York back then, we can certainly do that and more today. It’s up to todays radio teams to inspire tomorrows radio enthusiast’s, and I think that’s a really cool opportunity.
Quick Bits
John Creedon is Cork person of the year
Radio Kerry has been showing support for Ukraine
Tributes have been paid to Tom Hardy. May he rest in peace
The Irish Times are relaunching the Women’s Podcast after 500 episodes
Transition year students in a Limerick secondary school are launching a radio station
A Pop-up radio station is launching for Patrick’s Day. More on this next week
And that’s the summary for this week. Come back to radio land next week for more radio news📻 and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram for extra stories.