Lots happens in the radio industry each week so here’s a summary of the week we just enjoyed.
Here’s what happened
Broadcaster Dave Fanning is moving over to the digital side after a long career on terrestrial radio. He’s starting a new podcast on RTÉ Radio Player, and will also be hosting a new show on RTÉ Gold.
This follows a similar announcement from Ronan Collins, who finished up on Radio 1 before Christmas for a move to gold. We’ve spoke a few times now about RTÉ building on Gold as a digital brand, so bit by bit it’s getting closer to being in a position where it could carry ads and become a new income stream for RTE.
I noticed when researching this story that Dan Healy has a new job title. this might seem insignificant, but hold up. In press releases this week, Dan has been referred to as Head of RTÉ Digital Audio and RTÉ 2FM. He used to be referred to as Head of RTÉ 2fm and RTÉ Radio Strategy. This suggests that Dan now has a specific focus on digital audio stuff, basically podcasts, digital stations, and anything on Radio Player.
We’ll probably start seeing the likes of Gold and maybe even Pulse getting some TLC now, which really is the way to go in the digital age.
It will be great to hear Dave and Ronan on a station that more closely suits their formats, and it will also be good to see RTÉ really up their game on the huge opportunity that is online and Digital audio.
Best of luck to all involved with these new ventures from us at Radio Land.
The BAI have announced a number of funding awards under their sponsorship scheme, as well as funding allocated under their sectoral learning and development programme.
In total, over €500,000 has been announced between the two schemes, with €167,500 being spent on the sponsorships and €360,000 going on sectoral development.
Some of the projects to receive funding included the IMRO Radio Awards, Choice Music Prize, The National Student Media Awards (SMEDIAS), Learning Waves, and CRAOL. This just scratch’s the surface, with tons of awards, learning programmes, and initiatives receiving funding. You can see a full list of funding recipients at the link below.
“I would like to congratulate all the successful funding recipients this year. The BAI is delighted once again to support such a range of representative groups and quality initiatives that help to promote diversity and plurality for audiences, and enhance innovation and sustainability for the broadcasting and audiovisual sectors. Both programmes have been of great value to the BAI and have made a notable contribution to the delivery of the BAI’s strategic objectives over recent years.”
BAI Chief Executive, Celene Craig
Best of luck to everyone involved in all the projects receiving funding, we look forward to covering some of your events and programmes over the coming months
Finally this week, Nikki Hayes, who is probably best known for work on Irelands Classic Hits Radio, has been accused of laundering €15,000 in criminal proceeds through her bank account.
Eimear O’Keeffe, who presented shows under the sudoname Nikki Hayes, aledgadly commited the offence in 2020, and was in court this week arising out of the incidents.
A detective from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau told the judge he charged the accused before the court sitting, and she made no reply when charged.
There are 3 accusations, that Nicky received €2,400 and €2,600 on the 5th of November, and €10,000 on the 6th. Nicky has not made it clear how she intends to plead.
The accused has been granted free legal aid as she has no assets and is on social welfare. The case will be before the court again in April.
Quick Bits
2FM has a new weekend schedual
Seán Moncrieff spoke a bit this week about his experience of new media
Ray Darcy has been acknowledged for his work around mental health on his radio show
TikTok creator Miriam Mullins is taking over presenting Red FM’s Red Hits
Jennifer Zamparelli spoke about JNLR’s and not wanting to be on RTEs top earners list
Today FM are looking for buskers to take part in a big busk for Focus Ireland
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.