Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Bronze Award Winner.

Announcement was made today !
Silver Winner tomorrow at Noon and Overall Gold Winner on Friday :-)

http://www.bestnewpresenter.ie/category/winners/

Bernard & Keith play 'Holf'.

Ever wonder what morning show presenters do with the rest of their day?
Bernard & Keith from i105107 have provided the answer - they invent new sports!
Here they are explaining the game of 'Holf'...as you do :-)

2 Temps.


Two Temp licences come on air from Dublin next week: The 90s Network returns and Real Radio begins their first ever stint on air.
We'll talk about the 90s Network soon, but I was on the Real Radio website and have to say fair play to Niall Boylan for putting this madly adventurous project together in the first place.
This station will make for some really interesting listening.
With Chris Barry, Mike Moloney and Greg Merriman behind the mic during the day and evening, the potential for seat of your pants stuff is very high. They even have the wonderful Suzy G from Q102 in there (now there's an instinctive radio brain if ever I met one).
The site is pretty much fully functional now and the audio streaming is on, with a nice clear output.

If you haven't been around the site, then maybe take a moment or two and see what you think.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Jack'in It In.


Oh dear...Jack FM Vancouver have decided that the best way to gain listeners is this:
Fire all of your on-air staff (except the morning show) and go presenter-free for twenty hours a day.
Genius.
Why didn't anyone else ever think of this?
Oh hang on a minute - XFM in London did something almost exactly the same about two years ago. Funny how that experiment didn't last long, isn't it?
Jack FM now have Larry And Willy on the morning gig and are literally music from then until the next morning. No VT even.

Howard Cogan is apparently back as their imaging voice and sole personality. Now don't get me wrong - I love Howie and his style. I always have. Going back to when we worked together in LG73, he always had that something special. he was the guy that said to me once - "This internet thing will be huge for radio,one day". However great Howie is though, this is a radio station. You need presenters, otherwise it's just a (not particularly) good iPod.
Listeners can get all of their favourite songs on the MP3 player anytime they want. What they can't get, is surprised. You programme your MP3 player. You know what's on there. You never know what a human being on air will do next.

Taking humans out of radio - Genius*Italic
Best wishes to Pam Stevens and Kelly Latremouille. Two amazing radio presenters.

*Note very obvious sarcasm.

Bronze Award Winner.

It started off as an idea, became a reality and now we get ready for the culmination of the Best New Presenter Award.
One of the common threads that came back from our five judges was the fact that the standard of radio in Ireland is so high and that they were really impressed with the audio that was sent their way. That's coming from five people (the judges) who do know what they are talking about. So, I was delighted with that :-)

So, tomorrow at noon, we will begin to announce the three winning entries beginning with the Bronze Winner. Thursday is's Silver and the overall Gold Winner will be revealed on Friday at noon.
Check the website for updates and winner announcements, beginning tomorrow.
The shortlist is online there too.
Good luck :-)
http://www.bestnewpresenter.ie

Monday, September 28, 2009

Evans Article.


From The Telegraph:
"Chris Evans rocked broadcasting's boat, a revolutionary talent seemingly always on the brink of self-destruction. Now preparing to slip into Terry Wogan's old slippers at Radio 2, he is a vision of settled contentment – but is the man who lived in the fast lane really ready for the middle of the road"?

Read the full article here:

Saturday, September 26, 2009

New 2FM Boss.


RTE have announced that John McMahon is to succeed John Clarke as the Head of 2FM at the end of the year.
“John McMahon is a true radiohead who migrated to RTE Television but is now coming home to Radio,” says RTE Radio M.D. Claire Diugnan. “As RTE 2FM faces into a challenging 2010, I am confident that John has both the skills and the vision to steer Ireland’s second most-listened-to radio station in a confident new direction.”
John has worked in Anna Livia and FM104 in Dublin.
He joined RTE in '94 and has worked on many of the flagship shows including 5-7 Live, Kenny and The Full Irish.

His first job as the new main man will be to re-position the station from the current 15-34 demo to the new 25-44.
It'll be interesting to see how he gets on.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

No NAB.

This is a weird one, isn't it?
The NAB European conference has been cancelled. It was supposed to take place in Athens next month but won't go ahead now. They say it's due to the 'economic climate'.
From the website:
Unfortunately, with broadcasters and exhibitors feeling the pinch of reduced travel budgets and operating in turbulent times, I regret to inform you that NAB has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2009 NAB European Radio Conference scheduled for 25-27 October in Athens, Greece.
They are pointing towards the Vegas conference as an alternative...but if ya can't make it to Athens from London or Dublin, then Vegas is going to be a little tougher!
Pity for the European end of things but hopefully it's a once off.
http://www.nabeurope.org/

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Best New Presenter Award.

It was a great thrill today to be able to announce the shortlist for the Best New Radio Presenter Award.
This award came about after I noticed that there was no way of acknowledging or recognising up and coming radio talent in Ireland.
I'm always banging the drum when it comes to developing new talent - I believe it's vital so that our industry can become bigger and better than ever.
From that simple idea, we put together a website and invited applications.
Those applications came flooding in and each of our five judges commented on the standard of the audio they listened to.
So, to each and every entrant - I say a huge 'thank you' and well done.

See the Official Shortlist here:
http://www.bestnewpresenter.ie

Thursday, September 17, 2009

On Hols For a Bit.

Thanks to you and the hundreds of people who check out the comings and goings on this Blog every day. No point in doing it if no one is reading, is there? So, I appreciate it.
The Blog is on a bit of a holiday at the moment and will return in full flight on Wednesday September 23rd.Bold
That's the day when we reveal the shortlist for the Best New Radio Presenter Award. That will be exciting - I'm really keen to find out what our judges think your audio.
Between now and next Wednesday, take care.
Oh one more thing (as 'Colombo' would say), the Ezine still goes out this Monday. If you're not on the mailing list, just drop your email address over and we can rectify that :-)
Cheers !

Brian.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Boyd's Back.

Tommy Boyd.
I remember watching the TV show 'Magpie' when I was a nipper ('One for sorrow, two for joy...') and it's presenters Jenny Hanley, Mick Robertson and Tommy Boyd.
Boyd went on to do more kids TV ('Wide Awake Club) before carving out a radio career.
He's been on Southern Sound (great name from the past) and then Talk Radio (now talkSPORT) where he managed to get rid of his 'kiddie' persona by taking on controversial topics on air.
He's been on LBC and 5iveLive too before most recently showing up on Play UK.


Well now (this had to lead somewhere), he's just been signed by 106.1 Rock Radio in Manchester to cover for the regular breakfast host Steve Berry from this coming Monday.
Steve Berry.
Sure it's just for a week...but it could be a very good week indeed.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

The Greatest.

My favourite story telling radio presenter of all time...seriously.
I could listen all day.
It's WOR legend Jean Shepherd.

WLR.


Dónal O'Flynn has been in touch to (very correctly) point out that it was WLR's birthday yesterday.
Twenty years licenced.
It's getting tough to keep track of these big birthdays...I can't even remember my own mothers'!
Happy Birthday WLR and all who have been a part of the station through it's history.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

PPI Nominations.


The PPI Award nominations came out today.

The Music Programme Nominees are:
Greeley on 4 - 4 FM
iWork on i102-104 - i102-104 FM
Michael Cahill Show - RTÉ 2 FM
The Lock In - Spin 1038
The Zoo Crew - Spin 1038.


Brekkie Show:
Breakfast Xpresso - Spin South West
Brian Kennedy on Breakfast - Limerick’s Live 95 fm
Dublin’s 98 Morning Crew - Dublin’s 98
The Colm & Jim Jim Breakfast Show - RTÉ 2 FM
The Red Rooster - Cork’s Red FM


Music Broadcaster:
Colm Hayes - RTÉ 2 FM
Jim Jim Nugent - RTÉ 2 FM
KC - Cork’s Red FM
Ray Foley - Today FM
Tony Fenton - Today FM

And don't forget...The Best New Irish Radio Presenter Award !
Due to the fact that the PPI's completely ignore new talent, we have been running an independent award for up and coming presenters and the closing date for entries is this Friday at 5pm.
What I like about this award is that it is the presenters themselves who are taking part and submitting the entries - this shows commitment, passion and desire and I take my hat off to you.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

09/09/09.

Tomorrow is the 9th of the 9th 09...as you are no doubt aware.
It is also the date that a bunch of radio stations have marked down as the day they can play songs from the newly released and digitally enhanced Beatles catalogue.
So, at nine minutes past nine tomorrow morning, there will be lots of Beatles on your radio to choose from!
Nice to know.
Oh and a belated Happy Birthday card to my pals in LMFM : twenty years old last week...and already left home;-)
I know I'm a bit behind on the well wishes, but better late than never etcetera etcetera.
Also, while we're on the subject of congratrulations - nice going Hot Country over the weekend. Looking forward to many weekends with you on the dial.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Wogan Announcement.

Terry Wogan today confirmed he is to quit his BBC Radio 2 breakfastshow, with Chris Evans taking over the slot.
Wogan, 71, told listeners of the long-running and much-loved 'Wake Up toWogan' that he would be stepping down at the end of the year. He said that he was not quitting the airwaves altogether and had an exciting new show lined up.He said: "This is the hardest thing I have ever done in my broadcasting career, to say goodbye to you in the mornings."
Making the announcement live on air, Wogan said: "Now, if you'll pardon me, I've a little bit of news of my own. If the mail is anything to go by, most of the listening population havespotted a report that next year I'm going to turn into Chris Evans. And I hate to tell you, but it's true. I was hoping to break it to you,my loyal listener, more gently. I wanted to be the first to tell you. It's the least I owe you, for endless years, countless hours of morning companionship, friendship, good humour, and laughter. Your loyalty and support has been a beacon of love in my life." Wogan explained: "I'd rather leave while we're in love, as the song says, while the programme is the most popular on British radio, while we still delight in each other's company. And so we will, until the end of the year, when my good friend Chris Evans takes over. I know that you'll give him the same love and affection you've always shown to me."
Announcing that his new radio project, he added: "And in the new year I'll be starting a really exciting new show, live from the BBC Radio Studio at Broadcasting House in front of you, as my live audience,presenting the very pinnacle of live music, artists, guests, and of course, you, your mail, your warmth, your wit. So, this is not goodbye, it's not even au revoir... As they used to say when I was a lad: 'See you later alligator... in a while, crocodile'."
http://www.breakingnews.ie/entertainment/eycwojmhsnmh/rss2/#ixzz0QPIZFj3m

Bye Bye Tel.


So, this morning at around 08:10, the legend (and we really do mean 'legend') that is Terry Wogan announces his retirement from his morning radio show on BBC Radio 2.
Where to now, if anywhere for Tel and his Togs ?
The money is on Chris Evans taking over the slot, which means a new presenter on afternoons.
One month's notice it seems too, so you would imagine whatever is to be decided has laready been decided.
Make the most of Sir Terry while you can - there will never be another like him.
Ever.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Phoenix Want A Boss.


How would you feel about becoming the Station Manager at one of Dublin's most forward thinking and ambitious community radio stations?
Well, Phoenix FM in Blanchardstown are looking for a persdon who can take on this role and bring them to where they want to be. I've spoken with people from the station and they aren't going to settle for being a low-key local - they want to make the most of their remit and have real vision.
Daniel Pitcher, who has been with the station for over 3 years told me, "This is a wonderful step in our stations' history, Things have been a bit hard for us recently and for a while nothing was being done in the station because people were too busy in other jobs"."Now that we will be getting a new station manager hopefully things will dramaticly turn around, I cant wait" .
The job will entail a FULL salary of €40,000 + pa.
This isn't an ad for the gig, more a case of me thinking that it could be a great opportunity for you if you would like the challenge of being ' responsible for the management, the staff, the station operations and implementing the stations strategic plan'.
Send CV details to phoenixfmjobs@ireland.com and no later than september 13th 2009.
Phoenix FM in the not so near future will be also be hiring Five more people on a part time basis. As soon as I hear more, I'll let you know.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Gen X Radio.


Here's another flipped format and another re-brand to go with it.
This time it's in Louisville Kentucky, where the brilliantly named Louie FM is changing from Classic Hits to Gen X Radio 100.5 (are you noticing more stations putting the word 'radio' back into radio)?
What's the format?
Well, 80s and 90s, it seems. It's aimed directly at 30-somethings and apparently "ignores genres and categories" (VP of Prog John Zellner).



Radio-Insight.com has the station's first hour logged from yesterday at the 5pm launch (local time):
2 Unlimited – Get Ready For This
Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit
Montell Jordan – This Is How We Do It
No Doubt – Just A Girl
EMF – Unbelievable
Omc – How Bizarre
Blink-182 – All The Small Things
Cathy Dennis – C’mon And Get My Love
Sublime – Santeria
Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch – Good Vibrations
Dave Matthews Band – Ants Marching
Culture Beat – Mr. Vain
Spin Doctors – Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong
Jennifer Lopez – If You Had My Love
Lit – My Own Worst Enemy
Aerosmith – Dude (Looks Like A Lady)

http://www.genxfm.com

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Ibiza Pulse.


Boy, some people get all the luck eh?
On Friday September 11th The "Groove Box" on RTE Pulse comes to you LIVE from Cafe Mambo Ibiza.
Features on the day will include 'The Ibiza Essential 10', 'Mambo Moments' and 'Ibiza's History in Dance'.
Jason Dee will be the man down there (yes, lucky boy) and he will be speaking with Irish DJs on the island and the really important people - the punters !
The show runs from 3-5pm and you will find Pulse on online at www.rte.ie/digitalradio/pulse
on NTL Channel 943 or on DAB.

Need someone to carry your bag...????

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Real-ly?


I've been having a 'first listen' to the imaging for the upcoming Temp licence for Dublin - 'Real Radio' and I have to say it's sounds pretty snazzy!
It's punchy, slick and to the point. If the station can come up to the imaging standards, then we will be in for some pretty good listening.
Real Radio comes on air on October 5th and, unlike so many other Temp stations in Ireland, will not be Weekend Only.
The Monday to Friday line-up includes a whole batch of familiar names:
From Chris Barry to Greg Merriman to Mike Moloney to Gerry Wilson. Plus with the emphasis on Hot Talk, it's definitely something that has never been tried in this country before.
It's managed to get people talking already (he said, trying not to be too corny) ;-)