2024 (people are leaving their roles)

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

Here’s what Happened

Brian Dobson has announced his plans to retire from RTE at the end of April this year.

Bryan has worked at RTE for 37 years, hosting a wide variety of shows for the public service broadcaster. He currently hosts News At One on RTE Radio 1, but has also hosted Morning Ireland on the station. He’s hosted the TV shows One O Clock and Nine O clock news, as well as RTE’s flagship Six One. In short, the man’s done a bit of everything.

Bryan is unique in that he is an RTE Employee and not a contractor. His last known salary was €209,282, so his replacement will probably take a serious reduction. Bryan will still be around for the coverage of the upcoming referendums in March, but that will likely be his last big gig for the broadcaster.

Many people in Ireland grew up watching Bryan host Six One, and his name will be synonymous with Irish broadcasting for a long time to come.

Best wishes to Bryan, may he enjoy a well earned retirement.

Read the story here

Dobson wasn’t the only one leaving their role in the radio industry this week, as Des Whelan has announced he’s stepping down as CEO of WLR.

Des will be replaced by the current programming and operations director Michael Byrne. Michael will take up his new role as CEO on the 22nd of February.

WLR has seen huge success in recent times, winning IMRO station of the year for 4 consecutive years. That’s an incredible achievement that deserves massive recognition. The CEO has also been involved in Beat, Red FM, Newstalk And Nova, so has had a very successful radio career over the past 45 years.

Very well done to Des and best wishes for his next adventure, and good luck to Michael stepping into the CEO position. Big changes in the South East.

Radio Today had a great tribute to Des which you can read below.

Read the story here

Finally for now, Christmas FM have announced their fundraising total for 2023. In all the broadcaster raised €324,000, bringing the stations total funds raised to an incredible €3.5 million.

That’s an absolutely incredible achievement, and one the station should be super proud of. Between rTE’s Toy show Appeal and Christmas campaigns on stations like WLR, the broadcast industry made a massive difference over Christmas.

Irish radio does a lot for charity with many stations also taking part in Radio Bingo. which supports a number of different charities on stations across Ireland.

Well done to everyone involved in fundraising on radio over Christmas, and all throughout the year.

Do you think Bauer would have more cash machine entries if 50c from each text went to charity? Let us know over on our social media. Just search Radio Land Ireland.

Read the story here

Quick Bits

RTE are looking for a sponsor to join Oliver Callan’s new show at a cost of €295,000

Lyric FM is getting new inserts under the brand “Life Sounds Greener”

Clint Drieberg is the new content controller at Nova

Commercial broadcasters seem to be looking for RTE’s biggest names

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.

This Week In Radio 20/1/2024 (its official)

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.

Read the story here

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.

Read the story here

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.

Check out the post here

Quick Bits

Emmet Dunlea is taking over late nights on Red FM

Brian Dowling is being used in a scam now, continuing a trend of trusted presenters having their names used in scams

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

This Week In Radio 13/1/2024 (Cash Machine under Fire)

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 in Quick Bits, we covered Joe Duffy’s criticism of Bauers Cash Machine in since deleted posts on x.

Joe duffy’s x post criticising the cash machine.

The subject came up for discussion on LiveLine this week, with the competition coming under serious fire.

First a few key points.

When you enter the cash machine, you sometimes receive an offer encouraging you to send a second entry. They occasionally offer buy two get 3 or buy 2 get 4 offers, encouraging players to send 2 texts for €5 instead of the €2.50 for one text.
Bauer cap each player/number at 12 entries per game, or a total of €30.
Bauer would not disclose how many played the game in 2023, only reiterating the amount they gave away.
If you don’t play the game on a given day, Bauer sometimes text the player the amount reminding them to enter.

Many of those who spoke with Joe were of the view that the cash Machine was a form of gambling, but Bauer dispute this. One listener told Joe how she was spending €250 a month on the competition, with this leading to conversations around the Cash Machines attractiveness to those with gambling addictions.

Others were concerned by the mental health impacts on those who receive a cash machine call and get the amount wrong. One listener spoke of a player receiving a call and missing out on life changing money because they got the cent amount incorrect.

The conversation took place over two days, with no regulator really taking responsibility for the competition.

The cash machine also got coverage on drive time this week, as well as the Irish times and Irish Independent.

Do you think the game is gambling? Should it be allowed? Share your thoughts on our social media.

Read the story here

Today FM are introducing a new weekend schedule from today. Breakfast presenters from other Bauer owned stations will take up weekend slots, with Red FM breakfast host KC taking the Saturday 2-6 slot, and Spin 1038 Fully Charged presenter Emma Nolan taking on Sunday Evenings.

KC will be hosting his show from studios in Cork, although it won’t be networked on his regular home of Red FM. It’s a return to Today FM for KC, who hosted on the station before leaving for the Cork market 10 years ago.

Emma Nolan has also hosted on Today FM in the Past, and has already been a regular voice on the weekend schedule.

Best wishes to both broadcasters with their new shows. Today FM have a really strong schedule already, and this further enhances their offering.

Read the story here

Finally for now let’s talk about Tubridy. I’m not going to do this every week as that would get old very quick, but where there are actual updates of significance I will cover them.

Right, here’s a list of all the main Tubridy news this week as far as radio is concerned.

The Q102 and Virgin Radio apps received a combined 8,000 downloads in the Irish market on the week Ryans show launched.
Ryan’s weekend show launched last Sunday in a two hour slot. The show is pre recorded, and ⁨Coimisiún na Meán⁩ were made aware of that before it went on air.
Cork County Council were very disappointed that Ryan’s show cut Derry O Callaghan’s extremely popular Oldies and Irish show in half. They agreed to write to the government on the matter, with some politicians suggesting that if Ryan’s show is within the rules then the rules may need to change.
This was a view shared in Limerick, with LABOUR Party councillor Conor Sheehan speaking out on the matter too.

It’s an interesting situation. Time will tell if this backlash has any impact, but for now at least ⁨Coimisiún na Meán⁩ seem satisfied.

Read the story here

Quick Bits

Ryan Tubridy is going to be writing a new column for the Irish Mail on Sunday

2FM presenters The 2 Johnnies generated box office revenue of €465,514 for their gig at the 3 Arena in December 2022

Annie Nightingale, the first female presenter on BBC Radio 1, has died aged 83

Aoife Kearns is the new news and sports editor at Beat

Corks Red FM have a new jingle package and tagline, ”Corks Good Times”

This Week In Radio (new year, new shows, new sponsors)

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

Here’s What Happened

Broadcaster Ryan Tubridy started his new show on Virgin Radio this week, with the show simulcast on Dublin’s Q102. His new Irish weekend Show starts tomorrow and will air between 10:00 and 12:00 across Wireless group stations. live 95, 96FM, Q102 and LmFM

The weekday show has already secured a UK sponsor, with Paddy Power coming on board for a year. Paddy Power himself announced the deal as a guest on the show. financial terms were not disclosed.

It seems Irish audiences were excited and curious to listen to Tubridy again, with apps for both Virgin Radio and Q102 hitting the top 5 in the Irish Apple App Store charts on launch day. JNLR and RAJAR numbers will tell how the show ultimately performs, but things look to be off to a good start.

Kevin Brannigan (boss at Irelands Classic Hits Radio), said he did not believe it was appropriate for a UK programme to be broadcast on Irish radio. Kevin previously offered to hire Ryan, and his station airs the uk produced Kim Wild 80s Show. While Kevin’s point is understandable it was interesting to see him making it.

Overall it seemed to be a positive launch for Ryan. Big presenters like Corks Derry O Callaghan are having shows cut in length tomorrow, and some of those shows have pre-existing sponsors too. It’s an interesting situation and it will be fun to listen to.

Let us know what you thought of the show over on social media. Just search Radio Land Ireland

Read the story here

Virgin Radio wasn’t the only station signing new sponsors this week, as RTE signed a deal with Cash & Carry Kitchens who will become the Sponsor of Today With Claire Byrne for the next year.

It’s unclear what was paid for the sponsorship, but the one year package had previously been advertised at a cost of €350,000

“We are delighted to be involved with the broadcast sponsorship of Claire Byrne on Radio 1. This partnership aligns seamlessly with Cash & Carry Kitchens, offering an opportunity to boost brand awareness and engage consumers through Claire Byrne’s widely popular radio show.
Alan Morris, Head of Marketing at Cash & Carry Kitchens

Rte are under serious financial pressure, so every partnership like this helps. Who knows what other sponsorships we’ll see this year, but it’s clear RTE and Virgin Radio are off to a good start.

Read the story here

What were the most played songs on Irish radio in 2023? Research from campaign group Why Not Her reveals the answer.

We’ve covered the Why Not Her campaign a lot in the past, and you can read their statement on the findings at the link below. For now, let’s look at what we listened to on radio in 2023.

The top 5 songs played on Irish radio were:

Miley Cyrus – “Flowers”
Niall Horan – “Heaven”
Calvin Harris – “Miracle”
Dua Lipa – “Dance The Night”
Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero”

As for the top Irish artists being played, we had:

Niall Horan – “Heaven”
Jazzy – “Giving Me”
Cian Ducrot – “Heaven”
Cian Ducrot- “I’ll Be Waiting”
Dermot Kennedy – “Kiss me”

Big year for Cian Ducrot clearly. Well done to everyone who made the list. Hopefully we’ll see more quality Irish artists rise to the top in 2024.

Read the story here

Quick Bits

The team at WLR raised €100,000 for charity in their Christmas appeal

Classic Hits 80s has returned to FM

Brian Greene is leaving Phoenix FM

How will radio evolve in 2024

In a now deleted tweet, Joe Duffy took a dig at Bauers Cash Machine

I'm baffled - for at least a year - about the @bauermediaIRL@bauermedia #cashcall so called competition on your 15 Irish radio stations. What are the odds.? How many entries? If you claim to have given out €5m in prizes?
How much was gambled?
@cormacbourke @declynchwriter — Joe’s deleted Cash Machine Tweet

This week in Radio 16/12/2023 (Wexford is wild)

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 how South East Radio accused the chief executive of Wexford County Council of verbally assaulting presenter Alan Corcoran, this resulted in Alan receiving medical attention and the chief executive being banned from the stations studios.

This week, Wexford GAA accused South East Radio of excessive negative coverage, revealing they lodged a complaint with ⁨Coimisiún na Meán back in August⁩. Wexford GAA missed a follow up email from ⁨Coimisiún na Meán⁩ though, so the case was closed.

South East Radio have now accused Wexford GAA of contravening the GAA’s own Code of Conduct regarding mental health, and demanded an immediate apology. The Managing director of South East radio sent a letter to Wexford GAA saying.

“I find it unconscionable that you chose to target Alan specifically with your criticism, particularly on the same day that he took the brave and highly publicised decision, live on air, to share the mental health difficulties that he is currently experiencing as a result of a traumatic workplace incident.”
Managing director of South East Radio

This insinuation was strongly rebuked by the chairman of Wexford GAA, who offered to sit down with station representatives. Wexford GAA are seeking clarity from ⁨Coimisiún na Meán⁩ on the status of their complaint.

You can read more about all of this at the link below. It’s a wild story and it’s hard to know what to make of it all.

Read the story here

The cash machine has been going into overdrive. Ever since Bauer bought Iradio the Christmas cash machine has been giving away huge money left right and centre.

We covered the station giving away the biggest prize in Irish radio history twice, and now they’re doing it for a third time just before Christmas.

On December 22nd the GoLoud network will give away a crazy €200,000. Bauer will be hoping that the added audience from Iradio, the extra radio listening over Christmas, and the publicity of such a moment will pay off in revenue from entries and listenership/advertising jumps.

The game costs €2.50 to play so if Bauer earn €2 from each entry then it would only take 100,000 players to break even. The publicity of the event also pays dividends,. The word of mouth publicity and a few articles in newspapers make people more likely to tune in to a Bauer owned station, boosting ad income.

Best of luck to anyone playing for the €200,000. It’s a life changing amount of money for whoever wins.

Check out this Iradio promo video for the cash machine

Animated radio studio with Christmas trees

Finally for now I wanted to wish you a happy Christmas. I’m going to take a break over the Christmas period, but Radio land will be back on Saturday January 6th.

It’s been a wild year in radio, Bauer bought two more stations, a few presenters made big moves, and RTE, well, they had a disaster of a year. It’s been a tough time for the industry and we’re already heading for big job losses in 2024.

Ultimately I’m hopeful that the media industry will recover somewhat next year, but the challenges that radio faces as a whole need to be acknowledged.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my radio ramblings over the past year, and I look forward to bringing you more radio news in 2024.

For now, have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year, and best of luck to everyone hosting shows over the festive period.

Quick Bits

Radio Land is now on Threads

Ryan Tubridy was paid over €25,000 by Rte before they ended contract negotiations

2FM are airing a nativity radio drama

There was a great interview with Ian Dempsey about all things radio

RTE staff have requested a number of improvements in new staff surveys