Lots happens in the radio industry each week so here’s a summary of the week we just enjoyed.
Here’s What Happened
RTE is on the verge of running out of money, with Kevin Bakhurst saying the broadcaster would be insolvent by spring if it doesn’t get a cash injection from the government.
RTE can’t afford redundancy payments to reduce the staff count, and the government are holding off on a €40 million funding provision recommended by New Era.
Kevin Bakhurst has spoken of good commercial performance, but the huge drop in licence fee revenue means that RTE is now in a bit of a disastrous situation.
Rte has tried to diversify its income in recent years, but it’s had mixed fortunes. commercial venture GAA Go looks to have performed well and will provide much needed funds for the broadcaster, but ventures like Toy Show The Musical have been far less successful. No matter how successful RTE is commercially, there isn’t going to be nearly enough cash to cover the drop in licence fee revenue.
Kevin Bakhurst is really in an awful position as RTE needs drastic changes, but the money isn’t there to do what’s needed.
Time will tell how everything plays out, but it’s not looking good for the future of Public Service Broadcasting.
98FM are taking their listeners to the zoo.
The Wild Lights Christmas instalation is back at Dublin Zoo this year, and 98FM are holding a listener night allowing people to check out all the fancy Christmas lights before anyone else.
Events like this have great value for broadcasters as they tick so many boxes. You can give tickets away on air and online, you can treat your staff, and invites are also often given to ad agencies to keep the ad buyers happy.
Lots of these events were stopped during the pandemic, so it’s cool to see them up and running again. You can apply for 98FMs listener night tickets on the station website now.
Freedom FM is hosting outside broadcasts with its own branded vehicles and everything.
What started as a simple online station has really grown into a big operation with a yearly temporary licence, filled with live programming and outside broadcasts. The station was live from Rascals Pizza Restaurant this week, and is currently broadcasting on FM across much of Ireland.
It’s impressive to see an internet station reach such a scale. It seems blending a good format, strong online presence, and consistent quality output on a temporary service can be a winning formula for stations.
We’ve seen 8Radio, Christmas FM, and freedom build strong online audiences through temporary licences, and we’re seeing commercial operators like Classic Hits Radio try replicate that success. It’s fascinating to watch this blending of online and traditional terrestrial broadcasting.
Freedom FM in particular have come a huge way in such a short period of time.
Fair play to everyone involved and best wishes for the future.
Quick Bits
Here’s an immensely detailed analysis of the people appearing on Brendan O Connor’s Newspaper Pannel
Coimisiún na Meán are getting a fancy new office that can accommodate 200 people
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.