Lots happens in the radio industry each week so here’s a summary of the week we just enjoyed.
Here’s what happened
There was a really interesting article in the independent this week discussing how Irish can be a massive help if you’re trying to get into media.
This week is Seachtain na Gaeilge, or specifically its Seachtain na Gaeilge right up to st Patrick’s day. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the Irish language in all areas of Irish life, including media.
Aindriú de Paor has been one of the people speaking out on the benefits of Irish in media this week. Aindriú has hosted shows on Raidio na Life, RnaG and 2FM, hosting some shows with a blended approach of Irish and English.
The presenter said that “The extra skill really helps you stand out in the workplace, especially in the media”. he’s spoken about how it’s helped open that door a bit earlier, making it easier to get jobs.
This is a really interesting area to me. When you look at RnaG, TG4, and all the Irish obligations on other broadcasters, it’s easy to see how the language could be a big help.
This may become the case even more if that proposed Irish language youth radio station launches, and we’ve recently had increased requirements for Irish language ads and the launch of the full Cula4 kids tv channel.
All this is making Irish look quite healthy in media terms. I know I’d personally love to be fluent in Irish, as I can genuinely see how it would help in a media focused career.
Hope everyone enjoys Seachtain na Gaeilge, and gets a chance to speak a cúpla focal.
If you listen to a Wireless group radio station, you’ll be well used to the top of hour sequence at this stage. Yes you’ll have the news and the weather and all that, but one thing stands above all the rest. The jingle from Harry Corry. It’s like clockwork, on the hour, every hour.
Harry Corry, See what’s in store.
However yesterday everything changed. Harry Corry became the new sponsor of LiveLine on Radio 1, and they ditched the jingle. Let me repeat that, they ditched the jingle.
The new 1 year deal is Harry Corry’s first with RTE, so it looks like the Rte People might have snatched one of the biggest spenders from Wireless group. Financial terms of the deal haven’t been disclosed, but a deal was previously advertised with a 12 month sponsorship cost of €210,000. A nice chunk of money.
While the jingle might have been deemed a bit too much for LiveLine, it’s cool to see the Harry Corry team spending more in the radio industry.
I cannot tell you how relieved I felt when I heard the jingle in the top of hour sequence on 96FM this afternoon. It’s become a cue to news for a whole generation of radio presenters, so it’s good to know that the great tradition of the Harry Corry jingle will continue, even if it’s not on LiveLine.
Logo on 96FM
Logo on LMFM
Logo on Q102 Provided by Patrick Hennessey
The sound of Ireland is planning to return to FM broadcasting in Dublin around St Patrick’s day, but RadioToday are reporting that they’re still awaiting licence approval.
Despite this, the station has secured a primary sponsor, with the Department of Foreign Affairs backing the broadcaster once again this year.
They are also giving away €5,000 in free advertising to deserving businesses across Ireland. This is a really cool initiative, so hopefully the station gets its licence in time.
I love good Pop Up stations, so will be interested to have a listen. The station returns on march 11th for an 8 day run, subject to licence of course.
Quick Bits
RnaG will carry ads for the first time
Simon Delaney has a new show on lyric FM
Red FM are looking for a producer to join the Neil Prendeville show
Mari Hurley is RTE’s new Chief Financial Officer
The Radio 1 Folk Awards have taken place
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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.