Lots happens in the radio industry each week so here’s a summary of the week we just enjoyed.
Here’s What Happened
Bauer Media Audio Ireland are to be paid €55,000 to enhance their coverage of geopolitical events.
The funding comes from the department of foreign affairs through their Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund, and three other media outlets are also receiving some cash.
The Business Post, Reach PLC who own the Irish Mirror as well as the local Live and Beo Sites, and The Irish Examiner are all getting €100,000, meaning the total amount handed out hits €355,000.
The department of foreign affairs said “assignment of reporting tasks and allocation of responsibilities are matters for individual media organisations”.
In the past RTE, TheJournal and Virgin Media Television got grants, but there was no money awarded to them on this occasion.
Bauer provide news to most of Irelands local radio stations, so if the money is spent right it could definitely have an impact. Let’s hope a journalist gets a job or something with this money as that’s ultimately what makes a difference.
Broadcaster John Keane is leaving his show on KCLR 96FM after 20 years for a new gig in the Waterford radio market.
John spoke fondly of his time at KCLR, and discussed the importance of local radio. He referenced his connection with his listeners in Carlow and Kilkenny, calling the region a home away from home.
It’s a massive move to switch jobs after 20 years,, but with time also comes experience.
Best of luck to John on his new role from us at Radio Land.
Broadcaster Charlie Bird sadly passed away this week following a long battle with motor neurone disease.
Charlie had a long career at RTE News as their chief news corespondent, before retiring from the national broadcaster in 2012.
Charlie had a well publicised fight with motor neuron disease, a fight that eventually resulted in him using the assistance of voice banking technology to keep his voice. He raised €3.6million through the climb with Charlie campaign and brought considerable awareness to the condition through social media posts and appearances on The Late Late Show.
It’s a sad story, but he’s certainly left a legacy. May he rest in peace.
Quick Bits
The Irish audio awards took place this week
Cork City Community Radio is back on air at weekends
Today FM are giving away a trip to Tallahassee
RTE’s short story competition is open for entries
A new series called We Only Want the Earth is airing on Lyric FM
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.