Lots happens in the radio industry each week so here’s a summary of the week we just enjoyed.

Here’s What Happened

Last week we covered the shocking news that jenifer Zamparelli was taking some holidays. Fresh after hosting Dancing With the Stars for RTE one television, Jen did the unthinkable, and took leave.

Apparently there were rumours going around that the 2FM mid morning presenter was in a dispute with the station, and this resulted in the stations manager Dan Healy issuing a statement to the Sunday world.

“She’s on leave. It’s bullsh*t. Bullsh*t, bullsh*t, bullsh*t. She’s on leave. It’s farcical,She’s brilliant, absolutely brilliant. On the breakfast show from the very beginning with Bernard (O’Shea) and Keith – she’s an absolutely brilliant broadcaster. She’s a superstar, absolutely brilliant. It’s absolute nonsense.”

2FM boss Dan Healy

Wise words from Dan here. I don’t know if jenifer is on good terms with her 2FM bosses, but at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter. It’s all Bullsh*t, and Dan truly knows what’s up.

Seriously though, who knows. Jennifer’s 2FM relationship is her business. All I know is that I appreciate the ever straight talking Dan Healy for this beautiful quote.

The Sunday world article also covers Joe Duffy allegedly playing the piano in a hotel during the beast from the east, so it really has something for the whole family. You can read all that below, or check out some piano covers of your favourite Irish tv and radio themes.

Do you think Joe Duffy is good on the piano? Give your predictions on our Instagram story now.

Article from the Sunday World

Piano covers of Irish current affairs themes

Today FM’s big busk for Focus Ireland took place yesterday.

We’ve covered the event a bit in recent weeks, but it really is fantastic to see radio being used for good in this way.

Revolut users received a donation notification during the event to make donating seamless, in a similar way to RTE’s Toy Show Appeal. All in all I hope the event raised lots of money and we’ll see more events like this going forward.

This kind of event is actually a great example of where Bauer stations could come together to do some good. Well done to everyone involved.

You can still make a donation in the Revolut app or using the link below.

Donate to the big busk here

Finally for now, ⁨Coimisiún na Meán⁩ have announced recipients of funding under the Sound And Vision Scheme.

Sound and Vision is great as it gives funding to independent producers to create high quality public service broadcasting. Here are some of the projects that received funding this round.

• Grá ar an Trá is back for season 2 on Virgin Media Television. We covered this show last year as we had radio representation in the love Teach (love House). ⁨Megan O’Regan Byrne⁩ from Beat competed last year, so who knows if we’ll see more radio representation in 2024. Macalla Teoranta received €500,000 to help make the second season.
• Irish Music Month returns to independent radio for another year with Hot Press receiving €320,000 for the music event. It’s always good to promote Irish artists, so this can only be a good thing.
• €155,000 has been given to Learning Waves for the running of TY Media Week.
• Kate Butler is to make a 4 part documentary for RTE 2FM. This Is A Story About Control has received €20,258.

There are loads of fantastic projects getting funding this round, and there’s also funding in a separate scheme for Community broadcasters. It’s a great news story and hopefully we’ll see Sound And Vision continue long into the future.

Read the story here

Quick Bits

Ryan Tubridy is launching a book podcast sponsored by Eason

Classic hits radio paid tribute to Siman Harris with a dedicated day looking back at 1986.

RTE staff have been told to decline gifts over €100

The trial following the death of C103 presenter Paudie Palmer is ongoing

RTE’s north west correspondent Eileen Magnier is retiring

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.

Lots happens in the radio industry each week so here’s a summary of the week we just enjoyed.

Here’s What Happened

Beat 102 103 in the south east is set to be acquired by Bauer, following The Irish Times agreeing to sell their 75% slice of the business.

The Irish Times took a stake in the business 6 years ago when they Bought Landmark Media Group. They also hold a majority stake in WLR, which isn’t included in the Bauer deal.

The playbook is well established by now. Assuming no pushback from the CCPC, Beat will be integrated into the GoLoud network, and will then begin participating in the Cash Machine. Outside of that however there are still questions.

After the deal, Bauer will be the operator of every significant youth music service. Unless they went after Wireless group they have no other players to acquire. Talk of brand consolidation started quickly after the announcement, as now it makes sense for Bauer to start bringing their portfolio together.

98FM and Red FM recently got joined up branding, so IRadio and beat will be outliers. Some have suggested the Hits Radio brand may enter the Irish Market, but it’s also very possible that Bauer will simply expand the spin brand.

It’s a wild time for radio, but realistically it’s now the plans can be put in place for the inevitable big rebranding.

After the deal closes, Bauer will own Today FM, Newstalk, Spin 1038, Spin South West, Iradio, 98FM, Red FM, Beat 102 103, Off The Ball, GoLoud, Rayo, Media Central, and Audio XI. Through Media Central they assist Classic Hits Radio with advertising, and they also supply the news wire to all independent radio stations. Crazy stuff.

Do you think we’ll see Spin Southeast soon? Let us know on our Instagram story. Just search Radio Land Ireland.

Read the story here

Raidió Rí-Rá was on air over the bank holiday weekend, in an attempt to prove that they’re ready to provide a full national service.

The station aired chart shows, talk shows and alternative music shows, and they seem to feel ready to take on the challenge of becoming a full service broadcaster.

This would be a huge move as we haven’t had a new broadcaster hit the air full time in years. Raidió Rí-Rá currently has 3 full time staff which would obviously need to expand, but they are heading in the right direction.

Exciting times ahead for sure. Maybe Bauer will have bought them by the time the year is out., time will tell. Text airgead to 57557 for your chance to win big on the Rí-Rá Cash Machine? I dare not think such thoughts.

Read the story here

Finally for now, the Today FM big busk for Focus Ireland is back.

The event will take place around the country on Friday the 12th of April, buskers are being encouraged to sign up and help raise funds to support the Focus Ireland fight against homelessness.

“We are so excited for The Big Busk for Focus Ireland; it’s going to be the best one yet! All of us in Today FM have a big circle around Big Busk date on April 12th on our calendars, and we want you to mark off this date as well!”

Louise Cantillon 

I love when radio is used for good like this, so well done to everyone involved.

Read the story here

Quick Bits

Radio Nova are making Spotify playlists now. Interesting for a radio station

Ray Darcy has a new contract

The Indo Daily is up for 2 awards in New York

Lots happens in the radio industry each week so here’s a summary of the week we just enjoyed.

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.

Read the story here

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.

Read the story here

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.

Read the story here

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.