Lots happens in the radio industry each week so here’s a summary of the week we just enjoyed.
Here’s What Happened
The Cash Machine has once again given away the largest ever prize in Irish radio. The big total this time was €133,456,77, which is truly life changing money.
Sinead Mullins from Salthill was the big winner, with her kids even thanking presenter Barry Dunne following a prompt from their mam. It’s a lovely radio moment and one that will hopefully make a big difference to Sinead and her family.
We’ve talked before about how the cash machine is networked, but like it or not people are clearly playing. Texts to play cost €2.50 and you need to remember the cash amount to win.
Well done to Sinead on her big win from us at Radio Land, it’s only a matter of time before Bauer set an even higher record, and time will tell if it hits the €150k mark.
New restrictions on alcohol advertising on TV and radio will be introduced from January 2025.
In short, no alcohol ads will be allowed on television before 9pm, while on radio ads will only be allowed between 10am and 3pm.
In theory this should reduce the number of ads being seen and heard by kids. On tv the kids should be in bed by the time the ads air, and on radio the little ones should be in school.
It’s probably frustrating for broadcasters who will miss out on a handy source of revenue, but it is definitely better for society. It would be cool if there was a fund set up to cover the hit to broadcasters by purchasing public health ads, but it looks like broadcasters will just need to take the hit.
Ultimately this is good news for public health, even if it hits broadcaster revenue a bit. It’s still over a year away but it’s an interesting story even so.
Finally for now, The Waltons RTÉ lyric fm Music for Schools Competition is back for the first time in four years.
Music groups of up to 40 members in primary or post primary schools have been asked to develop a performance piece based on the competitions theme, “Music Moves”.
6 primary school groups and 6 post primary groups will get to perform at the national concert hall before the winner is announced.
It’s great to see broadcasters working with schools like this to create opportunities for young people. Best wishes to everyone taking part.
Quick Bits
Leanne Hanafin has a show on 98FM at weekends
Emmet Dunlea is taking up the role of music producer at Red Fm/Bauer
Máiréad Ronan from Today FM wanted a holiday home extension from dermot Bannan, but they didn’t get planning permission
A listener to Irelands Classic Hits won €6,500 after working out what Lucy said to Colm
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.