Lots happens in the radio industry each week so here’s a summary of the week we just enjoyed.
Here’s What Happened
Going forward commercial stations renewing their licenses will need to agree to more Irish language, programming, following a decision made by Coimisiún na Meán in July.
The Irish times report that when agreeing new licence terms for Galway Bay FM, the board of the regulator introduced two new conditions. “ a requirement to review and update Irish language programme commitments, and that the station collect data and, on request, report to the commission about their performance on the Irish language, media literacy and sustainability.”.
This comes ahead of an expected review of Irish language services to be carried out by Coimisiún na Meán in 2024. We don’t know the full scope of this review, but the regulator seem to be pushing forward with a plan to get more Irish language content on air.
It’s been a relatively good time for Irish media recently following the launch of a new dedicated kids TV channel broadcasting in the Irish language. Recent rule changes have led to more Irish advertising, and we’ve also heard rumblings of a new Irish language youth music service.
2023 has been a big year for Irish, and it’s looking like there are plenty more changes to come.
I haven’t even started my Christmas shopping yet, but we got another sign this week that the festive period is just around the corner.
2FM are looking for a brand to sponsor the sound of Christmas, with a 10 second sting before each Christmas song played on the station this December. It’s the first time this deal has been on the market in 4 years, so demand will probably be high for such an important advertising opportunity.
The sound of Christmas will kick off on Friday December 1st, with 12 songs played on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. From Monday 4th 24 songs will be played in total each day that’s a total of 2 per hour. This will basically continue until Christmas Eve.
If you want a slice of the Christmas pudding that will set you back a cool €60,000. It sounds pricey, but 540 highly prominent stings is a big deal right before Santa comes. Exciting stuff kids, 93 sleeps to go.🎄
We’ve seen the Christmas ad opportunities for the toy show and Christmas RTE Guide hit the market too, so even if you feel it’s too early, reality tells us it’s nearly time. So, stop being a grinch.
Read the festive story here, and you might make the nice list
Unfortunately we’re ending on a sad note this week. RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta presenter Rónán Mac Aodha Bhuí has passed away at the age of just 53.
The presenter hosted many shows on both TV and Radio over the course of his career, but was probably best known for Rónán Beo on RnaG which started in 2006. He was a well respected name in Gaeltacht communities.
He was sadly diagnosed with cancer a number of years ago, and he went through many rounds of chemotherapy as well as 2 surgeries. You might remember we covered a fundraiser for Rónán earlier this year which raised over €171,000 for further treatment.
He’s a voice that will certainly be missed by many, with tributes being paid by everyone from Kevin Bakhurst to Michael D. Higgins.
You can read some of the tributes in the journal article linked below.
May he rest in peace.
Quick Bits
The guards are reportedly investigating following an interview with Sean Quinn on Newstalk
Belfast live are reporting on a poem read on RedFM
Graham Norton has said Gay Byrne was an inspiration
Rte aren’t handing over the former DG’s contract to committees as she has a right to confidentiality
Christmas FM will be back on November 28th
And that’s the summary for this week. Come back to radio land next week for more radio news📻 and be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for more fun from the world of radio.