Lots happens in the radio industry each week so here’s a summary of the week we just enjoyed.
Here’s What Happened
WLR in Waterford have started using an all new studio. The redesigned studio uses the latest equipment, and appears to be loaded with LED’s for visual radio capability.
The studio looks a bit like the LBC studios in London, just much smaller. It’s futuristic look will likely work well for social media videos, something that’s required more and more in radio these days.
Two out of the six studios are now up and running, and WLR plan to complete the project early next year.
It’s great to see stations investing heavily in infrastructure that can help them compete in the digital world. hopefully these new studios serve WLR well over the next few years.
You can see a video of the new studio here
Read about the new studio here
RTE presenter Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh has withdrawn a sexual harassment case that she had taken at the Workplace Relations Commission against the broadcaster.
The case was reportedly related to an incident in July 2019, but Ní Chofaigh has now said in a statement read by her barrister that she “withdraws her allegation of discrimination by the respondent”.
Bláthnaid’s barrister Claire Bruton said “The parties confirm they are both satisfied to have reached agreement to draw a line in the sand and move on from these matters in light of their ongoing working relationship,”
No compensation was paid arising out of the incident, and Ní Chofaigh, again speaking through her barrister, said she “accepts the outcome of the RTÉ investigation processes in respect of all matters,”
The WRC had previously told the press not to report names of those alleged to be involved, following a request from RTÉ.
Finally this week, it’s time to talk about the freedom of the press.
You might remember us covering a story previously about Wexford county council threatening to pull advertising from South East Radio. We actually covered it quite a bit, as the story had more twists and turns than a Fair City storyline. Well now it’s emerged that these kinds of pressures might not be isolated just to Wexford.
Transparency International Ireland (TI Ireland, have recommended that the government create a clear code of practice on council advertising, after a survey of local radio stations and print publications led to journalists saying that they had experienced threats to ad revenue if they were seen to be critical of certain local authorities.
I’d highly recommend reading the article linked below on the findings of the survey, the sample size does seem small, but the findings are fascinating.
It will be interesting to see if the government respond to the suggestion of a code of practice, but we’ll just need to wait and see.
Do you think this is a good idea? Go vote on our Instagram story now.
Quick Bits
The RTÉ Radio Player app redesign we reported on previously has now been released
Beat 102 103 and WLR FM have a new CFO
Beat have also got an updated weekday lineup
A former independant councillor has spoken about his song getting played on radio
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.