Lots happens in the radio industry each week so here’s a summary of the week we just enjoyed.
Here’s What Happened
It was a predictable move in many respects, but RTE announced this morning that Oliver Callan will be taking over Ryan Tubridy’s slot on Radio 1.
Oliver had been covering the slot on rotation since Ryan’s show ended, but now it seems he’ll be jumping into the slot on a full time basis. It’s a big move for Callan, who has been hosting comedy show Callan’s Kicks on the station for many years.
The move was first announced on the Brendan O’Connor show, where the new presenter referred to himself as a radio anorak.
He will host the show for a fee of €150,000 per year, and has a 2 year contract with the broadcaster. It seems his comedy show Callan’s Kicks isn’t included in the current contract, but the presenter intends to juggle both roles this year and see what happens.
I must say, I do like this transparency from hosts at our public broadcaster. I hope it continues and isn’t just a fad.
It’s an exciting move, and I’m sure RTE will be happy to have a level of consistency in the slot. It’s easier to sell ad packages when partners know what they’re getting, and I’m sure we’ll see RTE trying to secure a sponsor for the new show in the next few weeks.
Oliver Callan kicks off on Radio 1 from Monday 29th of January. Best of luck to everyone involved from us at Radio Land.
The impact of exaggerated defamation lawsuits on the media industry was discussed again this week, with organisations including the IBI speaking to politicians on the subject.
Local media in particular is struggling with the constant threats of legal action, and many news brands say they are one lawsuit away from closure.
It’s a scary time for media in the courts, but hopefully we’ll see reforms soon. It’s a conversation we’ve discussed before here on Radio Land, but it’s still rumbling on.
Finally for now, FM104 are giving away a trip to vegas on their Instagram account.
It’s fascinating to see how prizes that used to be part of big radio competitions are now just side giveaways on Instagram.
The prize, sponsored by Tour America, can be won by simply following the FM104 and Tour America accounts, and sharing the post to your story.
Years back I remember 96FM in cork making listeners compete in a phone game for weeks to win a trip to Rio. it’s fascinating to see how everything has changed.
Quick Bits
Emmet Dunlea is taking over late nights on Red FM
RTE true crime podcast Runaway Joe is looking for a €70,000 sponsor
The Guardian say we still need radio dramas
Coimisiún na Meán had a diversity and inclusion morning this week
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.