BmacBlog !

Why Radio?

2012-01-24T18:14:00.002Z

Radio Presenter Workshop CD.

2012-01-18T14:09:00.000Z

50 Minutes of The Very Best from the Live Presenter Workshops...all put together in a nice and neat studio-recorded package for you.

Five hours of intense radio coaching compressed into 50 minutes.

Perfect to get your show kick-started !

Info: brian@bmacmedia.com

Available in January.

2011-12-13T19:35:00.001Z

Wow ! I can NOT wait for 2012 to kick off. This blog will be at full steam. I have Radio Presenter Workshops lined up, Voice Over work to do, a Radio Instruction book to finish and this little baby to launch in January :-)

2011-12-12T10:51:00.003Z

While the new Blog waits for it's New Year re-launch, I thought I might as well share my new Video Ezine Series with you here.

This is Video number One :-)

Radio Is Simple !!

Getting ready for Feb 1st :-)

2011-12-08T18:46:00.001Z

Brian Speaks about being 'Honest' on the Radio.

2011-12-06T13:01:00.000Z

Brian Speaks about being 'Honest' on the Radio.

What is the 'Thinking Behind The Talking'?

2011-12-05T13:20:00.001Z

I was asked the other day, "Can you give an example of the Thinking Behind the Talking" Workshop.

Happy to.

Here's the type of thinking we do...

I was trying to think what would be a good way to begin the New year. Continue as before, or set the next twelve months up in a 'looking forward' sort of way?

Then it struck me.

Trawling through some notes in, what I laughingly call, my office - I came cross a piece I wrote for an industry magazine ages ago but never shared with you here.

I've adapted it a little bit , but the same message stands.

They are The Three Principles of Communication (Tah-Dah)!!

Well, we are communicators, so it makes sense to know a bit bout the thinking behind how we speak.

So, here goes:

1. The Bonding Principle. People need people. That's a given. On the radio, knowing how to bond with your listener is essential to building up your relationship with your listener.

There are a few easy ways you can do this:

a) Enter their world. Put yourself in their shoes and try to see things from their point of view. Use the word 'you' instead of 'I'."You might have seen...", instead of "I saw...".

b) Mirroring. Using words and phrases that your listener can relate to. The classical music presenter won't use the terms spoken by an Urban CHR presenter and vice versa. Know who you are speaking to. We do this in life anyway with the different people we come in contact with each day. No doubt you speak differently to your doctor and your best friend!

c) What’s in it for them? In our Workshops we call this the 'Who Cares' angle. If your listener doesn't care about what you have to say, then what's the point in saying it?

Bonding builds an emotional connection between you and your listener...essential to any successful relationship.

2. Consistency Principle: When you know and understand your radio 'voice', then you will automatically know how to maintain it. Consistency doesn't mean saying or doing the same thing each day. It means your 'personality' is consistent. Your overall beliefs, values and thoughts develop into a particular pattern.

The brilliant thing about this is that you can then change your style when you need to. This might sound like a bit of a contradiction, but the thing is - when you are consistent it allows you to break out of your familiar pattern when you want to. Then return to the usual 'you'. Consistency actually frees you up so that your listener can accept the surprises more easily.

The principle says that you will be consistent and 'will change to ensure this is so' !

So, if you're the crazy, funny on air guy - it's OK to become serious or sad.

If you're the serious presenter, then being goofy sometimes is cool.

Consistency allows you to be free.

3. Understanding Principle: Understanding other people is one of the basic keys to successful life relationships. Radio is no different. It works two ways - understand yourself (your radio 'voice') and understand your listener.

Understanding can come from past experiences together, shared moments or feelings, or habit. As Valerie Geller says "A great radio host is one I would be willing to share a five hour car journey with". Imagine your listener is in their car for the duration of your show - the ultimately successful relationship will mean that she is happy to spend that time listening to you.

That comes from a mutual understanding. It's a form of mental association.

Now, you don't get competent at these principles by time-checking and saying 'Coming up next'.

You achieve by planning and captivating.

I've often been told by presenters "But I work on a CHR with 20 second links...how can I do that"?

Doesn't matter. Work at it, plan it, captivate your audience.

Twenty seconds or twenty minutes - the length of your link is irrelevant.

What IS relevant is what you do with your time. YOU. No one else.

Ultimately you are responsible for your gig.

Try these before your next show:

* Is the purpose of your link to entertain/connect/inform?

* Does each link have a 'Who Cares' payoff?

* Is the link relevant/inclusive/interesting?

* Are you talking (not reading)?

* Do YOU sound compelling and convincing?

* Does your link contain visuals for your listener? Can they 'see' your words?

One of the best books you can read on this is by the above mentioned Valerie Geller, called 'Beyond Powerful Radio'.

Let's make 2012 the year that brings the magic back onto radio.

You're part of this industry. You have the chance to be great and make your show great. Why not do this every time you go into the studio?

Be real, be you and try the three principles.

Build that relationship. You do it the real world already !

Adapt the three principles to your way of thinking because only YOU know how to get the most out of your show.

Next Workshop, Dublin Feb. 1st.

What Makes a Radio Star !

2011-12-04T12:11:00.001Z

Is it having a great radio voice?
Is it being a 'solid jock'?
Is it the ability to 'hit the post'?

Nah.You know it isn't.
It's the connection you make with your listener. Through the words you use.

Listeners 'recognise' you through your words.
They also recognise themselves through you.
You are their mirror.
They either like what they see...or they don't.
They either stay with you...or they don't.

Have you ever made a connection with a particular radio presenter?
Is there one on air person you love listening to?

Ask yourself why?

Then ask yourself, are you creating that relationship with your listener?

Radio Stars know how to connect.
They allow their listener 'recognise' themselves through the words they choose.

http://www.bmacmedia.com/category/workshops/

Is It Time, I Wonder...?

2011-11-21T19:18:00.001Z

It seems to me that a lot of radio blogs have closed down over the past year or so.
That's a pity, isn't it?
Well, I think so.

Is it time for this one to come back to life? I am giving it some serious thought.
If you're reading this post it means the RSS feed is still active, so that's a start :-)

Let's see if the video stream still works :

Yup. That looks OK from here.

The more I think abouit this, the more fun it seems.
Maybe we could do contributions too...fancy writing stuff about radio?
Let me know.
The email is bmacaudio@googlemail.com

See you in a bit,
Brian.

It's Been Fun.

2009-11-25T14:23:00.002Z

Well, I'm outta here !
Updating and maintaining this blog has been fun, but due to time pressures, I find that I'm not able to devote enough effort into the heart of the thing - so for the time being, I have to say Adios to blogging.
Thanks for reading it and thanks for the positive comments.
The whole idea behind this blog was to highlight the good in radio and purposely avoid the negative. I hope it managed to do that.
If you still want to read some of my stuff then you can subscribe to the weekly Ezine or hook up on Twitter. If not...hopefully I'll see you around.
Thanks again.

Cheers,
B.

It's good :-)

2009-11-24T17:46:00.001Z

Saw this liked it...passing it on.

Billboard for KissFM Boise, idaho.

UK Radio Player.

2009-11-24T17:31:00.002Z

What are the odds that this will be avaialable in Ireland?

A website that offers all UK stations will be running by Christmas and should be available to listen to by the middle of next year.

There are a couple of decent articles explaining it:

here:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/single-website-for-all-uk-radio-stations-by-early-next-year-1809420.html

and here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/6436051/Website-to-offer-all-British-radio-stations.html

The Mirror has a write-up about the fact that it could go mobile as well:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology/2009/11/19/bbc-uk-radioplayer-coming-to-mobile-115875-21835259/

Glasgow.

2009-11-22T17:49:00.000Z

Robin Banks and Ali Mak from Virgin Radio in Dubai after our Workshop in Glasgow.

Glasgow.

2009-11-22T17:24:00.003Z

Thanks to everyone for coming along to our Workshop in Glasgow on Saturday. It was a great day.
I arrived at the venue pretty early and was sitting by a window having a coffee and catching my breath when - Bam Bam Bam!! There's Robin Banks banging on the window at me with his big wide smile and infectious enthusiasm! So the day began and so it continued.
There were people there from all over Scotland, from London, Ireland and Dubai. All levels represented too, from rookie to 30 year radio vererans.
There were dis-agreements and debates but most of all lots of laughing and lots of fun.
Oh and sambos too.
There's more about it in this week's Ezine...just email me if you would like a copy sent to you.
So this note today is to acknowledge everyone we have met in the past 12 months across Ireland and the UK and to say 'thanks'. Been a hell of a year and I've enjoyed every bit of it.
This radio lark could catch on y'know ?!

Speaking of Christmas...

2009-11-17T18:52:00.002Z

It's not always a good thing for you if you work on a station in North America and the format flips to Christmas music. I'm just saying.

This one has just been spotted and is the first one I've come across this year:

WNTR Indianapolis is now 107.9 The Christmas Station.

http://www.christmas1079.com

It's Christmas.

2009-11-17T06:53:00.002Z

It's quite possibly been the most talked about and well received temp station in recent times (if the feedback I heard is anything to go by) and it's on the way back!

Christmas FM will return to the dial on November 30th - this time in Cork (on 106.7 app) as well as Dublin. Cork listeners will get a kick out of this station.

Christmas FM managed to attract a really top class range of on air people last time out and I know Garv and the team are making sure that this year's output is at the same level.

As Louis Walsh would say on 'X-Factor, "It's fun"!

People really took the station to their hearts last year and that's not easy in temp licence world :-)

From their website, herewere some of last year's presenters:

Keith Shanley ( Country Mix), Noel Mc Caul ( 4FM),Lynsey Dolan (County Mix), Bernie Jameson (4FM), Stephen Keogh (KFM Breakfast), Chris Murray (LMFM Breakfast), John Dunne (KFM), Hugh O'Brien (ex Nova, 2FM), Paul Scanlon (Ocean fm) Mike Moloney (ex Ocean FM, 2FM), Robert Walshe (Northern media group), Shane Pearce (Shannonside), Gerry Wilson (ex 2fm), Ollie Clarke (Northern Sound), Chris Maher (4FM).

Features and promos were voiced by the likes of Bob Gallico (ex Nova, East Coast), Enda Caldwell (Radio Riviera), Andrea Hayes (TV3), Gary Hamill (ex Nova), Dave Adams (Setanta Sports) and Daragh Roberts (98FM)

http://www.christmasfm.ie/

Ratings.

2009-11-13T07:03:00.002Z

So the JNLR's came out yesterday. Hope everyone is pleased with their numbers. Although, we never fully are, are we.
In some cases if we go up we can feel as though we 'dodged a bullet'. Othertimes people will say "That's me employed for another three months!" and so on.
As Debbie Allen from Q102 puts it : It's like getting the leaving cert results every three months.
For high pressure shows like the breakfast gigs and big profile talk programmes, it is quite unnerving. The sightest movement can make all the difference. I've known some folk to have restless nights leading up to the book.
The JNLR isn't the world's greatest ratings system, we know that - but it's all we have, so we need to take notice of it as a barometer of sorts. Is the North American PPM system better (every month)? Who knows.
All I know is that radio is strong in this country and listeners are still talking about it. It's still relevant in this part of the world and that's down to presenters, producers, programmers and everyone involved in the business here.
Ratings? Sure they're important but they come and go. I'ver had some stinker books and then some amazing ones...and I'm still alive to tell the tale !
It's like anything in radio: some people will like you, some will dislike you and the rest are unaware of you. The unaware group is the one who's attention you want to get!
Anyway, no numbers breakdown from me this time - I'm sure you have sources for that.
Try here:
http://www.bci.ie

98.

2009-11-11T06:51:00.005Z

So, Dublin's 98 hit the big 20 yesterday. Nice

I have a lot of great memories of working for that station. Back in 1998 I did the breakfast show (The Dawn Patrol) with Debbie Allen and Morgan Jones. I never laughed so much in my life...we were fired after three months ! You know what? They were dead right too. We were having a ball, but the show was awful! When they're right, they're right.

Then in 2000, I went back for more. Starting off with a year on the 1-4pm shift, then the guts of six years on afternoon drive (The Home Run) and the last year on the late night gig.

The great friends I have met in there include Dave Moore, Dermot Whelan, Hugh Cahill, Marty Miller, Adrian Barry, Johnny Lyons, Teena Gates, Brendan O'Loughlin, John Taylor, Liam Quigley, Barry Dunne, Debbie Allen, Lisa Sport, Tony Kiernan, Dee Woods, Cormac McDonagh, Robbie Fogarty, Tara Duggan, Claire Brock, Claire McCarron, Dara Quilty, Trina Mara, Emma McEvoy, Mark Byrne, Louise Hearghty, Toni Tenaglia, Matt Dempsey, Dan Healy, Mick Brady and on and on.

Of course there are some folks who don't know how to leave a place - such as Dara O'Beirne, who I first met in Sunshine 101 back in '86 and has been a fixture in 98 since day one!

Then there's Morgan Jones, who I went to college with (strange world sometimes).

To all the people who have worked on Classic Hits 98FM/98FM/Dublin's 98 - nice knowing you folks. To the real radio people who keep a station like this alive and kicking: great job :-)

Dusty has placed some audio on his website from the opening day...also, did you know that his DAP studio is in the original 98FM studio in the city? Take a look and listen here:

http://www.digitalaudioproductions.com/98-launch/

Obama Weather.

2009-11-09T15:37:00.005Z

Always on the look out for funny and original ways to get the same message across?

I was on the KSON San Diego website and thought I better share this with you, if you haven't seen it already:

Obama Weather.

Instead of the usual blah-dy blah about wind and temperatures, they just show you what Obama would wear in this weather. Brilliant !

Today's Obama Weather.

I'm delighted to have the chance to take part in an A&O conference call across North America tomorrow with KSON morning man Cliff Dumas and legendary radio consultant Jaye Albright. If you are part of that call - talk tomorrow (literally) :-)

http://www.kson.com

4-i's.

2009-11-06T20:14:00.008Z

WJLQ is an FM outlet based in Pensacola Florida. They have just switched from Hot AC to full on CHR and are now known as i100 (formerly Q100).

As with most launches and re-launches these days, they're doing a music marathon. In this case 2,000 songs in a row. No presenters yet and no ads...just the music and the imaging.

It's interesting to hear a raw format like this before the bells and whistles are added. The music is obviously there to convey their exact audience message and the imaging is the only clue to the station's personality right now.

Hopefully they add live presenters to the roster and allow that to compliment the music etc.

Artists played today include Lady GaGa, Flo-Rida, Taylor Swift and David Coo.

http://www.i100hits.com

There are now four 'i' stations in the States under the one company umbrella:

i106 Nashville

i93 Dallas and

i94 Indianapolis.

BigAppleAirchecks.

2009-11-04T21:00:00.002Z

Lots of people are interested in Airchecks...we can always learn from other presenters and the best way is (of course) via their on air work.

So - have you been on this site?

Take a look around and have a listen. Lots to poke around in here:

http://www.bigappleairchecks.com/main.html

Xtreme Change.

2009-11-03T21:30:00.002Z

Absolute Radio are pretty innovative when it comes to their online product - and they continue to be with the news of a re-brand for their Xtreme station. Actually, Xtreme is on the way out and will be replaced by an new 80s station, 'Absolute 80s',from next month.

So they will have Absolute Classic Rock and the new Dabbl on board as well.

Only negative is that '80s' will be presenter-free.

Pity.

www.all80s.ie showed that using presenters in this format can sound great.

Two Things.

2009-11-02T20:00:00.007Z

1. Robin Banks is back on the radio. As I write this, he is flying away on his first gig on BRMB from Birmingham and networked to Mercia FM, Wyvern FM and Beacon Radio Shropshire & West Midlands and will be every weekday evening from 7-10pm.

Have fun young man :-)

http://www.brmb.co.uk

2. Real Radio Dublin finishes up it's month long run tomorrow. It certainly has been something new in the market, bringing 'Hot Talk' to the dial for the first time. What did you think of the format? Does it have legs here? I know the people behind the station are very keen to pursue a full time licence and good luck to them with that.

Listen for the final day on 100.3 in Dublin.

Can't be long before Christmas FM is back on the dial, eh?

http://www.realradio.ie

Party On !

2009-11-01T22:22:00.004Z

RadioInsight are reporting that the 87.7 FM freq in new York that was recently the home of Pulse, will be taken over by Long island based WPTY (Party 105.3) tomorrow (Monday), formatting the same product as Pulse - ie Dance.

The station will be called 'Party 87.7'.

That was fast !

Here's how they look right now:

http://party105.mfbiz.com/#/home/4532194844

No Pulse.

2009-10-31T12:34:00.004Z

New York's 'Dance Music Leader' Pulse 87 is now more.

As of 5pm yesterday local time, the station went silent.

The web page is still up and running at http://pulse87.com

In it's 20 months on air, the station pulled in one million listeners in the New York area and their main claim to fame has been the launch of Lady GaGa's career.

Here's how New York's Daily News reported it:

http://tinyurl.com/yb54xmp

Glasgow venue.

2009-10-30T09:10:00.004Z

The months are flying in - I can't believe we're nearly at the final Workshop for 2009...but we are !!

November 21st, it's Robin Banks and myself in Glasgow for the day. I'm really looking forward to this one as the response from Scotland to our Workshops has been brilliant.

We have confirmed the venue as the Novotel in the city centre - nice modern facility and right in the heart of things.

If you are interested in joining us - just email and I'll fire off the details.

brian@bmacmedia.com

Rajars.

2009-10-29T09:04:00.002Z

UK radio ratings came out yesterday...fun, fun, fun!
In London, Capital have a 5.6 share, followed by Magic at 5.5 and Heart at 4.7.
The ('all-important') morning shows has Capital followed by Heart and then Magic.
Radio 1 breakfast show went from 7.72 million listeners to 7.02 million(it's all relative, I guess).
Wogan's run on Radio 2 sees him go from 7.93 million to 7.76 million.

All the heavy numbers are here:
http://www.rajar.co.uk/listening/quarterly_listening.php

Paul Easton has a nice graphic of the London listenership here:
http://pauleaston.blogspot.com/2009/10/london-rajar-q32009.html

Competition Time.

2009-10-27T17:28:00.003Z

They give away money??
The concept sounds unusual to this reporter from 1984. Nice turntables and carts etc.
Has it changed that much in the past 25 years though?

Buzzin' !

2009-10-25T16:51:00.003Z

Northern Ireland based CHR online station Buzz FM is celebrating 10,000 online listeners each day just from North America.

Buzz have added features to the station output, but still stay true to the 14 songs per hour rule. That could be one of the reasons for the online numbers...very few actual interruptions, other than presenters working the format.

Buzz FM are launching a promotional campaign,initially happen across the North West of Ireland. This will be a fairly major campaign with 40,000 leaflets, free outside broadcasts from all major shopping centres, street promotions and newspaper advertising.

Good luck to them :-) Not too many pure CHR stations in this part of the world anymore.

http://www.buzzradio.fm/

Station of the Day.

2009-10-23T06:42:00.006+01:00

Is this one of the greatest Classic Rock stations in the world?
It's a big statement, but in my opinion - Yes!

Rock 101 (CFMI) in Vancouver has been the city's Classic Rocker for decades and it broadcasts from the fantastic 'Black Tower' in the heart of downtown (sharing office space with 99.3 The Fox, CNKW98 and AM730).

What an on air line-up this station has:

Brother Jake is on in the morning. This man is a legend both on and off air. I remember when he first started at the station (it was weekend breakfast).

My friend in the city called me to say "Take a listen to this guy. He's unbelieveble"!!! (Yup, that was you Laddie). And he was. I was completely blown away. Didn't take very long before the move to mornings :-)

Robin LaRose is on middays. The Electric Lunch is the benchmark of all benchmarks...and that voice. Now there's a Classic Rock voice. That's what it's all about.

Afternoon Drive is Dean Hill and Graham Hatch...two more radio legends! Former morning guys on LG73, Dean & Hatch are household names and have earned that right through being consistently brilliant performers.
Dean & Hatch on location.
Oh , and the musics's pretty decent too !

Overall - it's one powerhouse of a station and displays what Classic Rock can sound like when the people believe in it.

http://www.rock101.com

5 Live.

2009-10-21T19:12:00.006+01:00

More BBC news.

Wogan's off to weekends (he'll be brillinat there) and now 5 Live have a new weekday roster.

Starting off with Gabby Logan (her dad is Terry Yorath y'know - used to play for Wales)!

Well, she's gone and landed herself the mid afternoon gig from 12 to 2pm.
Gabby Logan.
Then, it's Richard Bacon taking over. He's finally been brought off the late nights. When I was working shifts last year, I tuned his way in the car driving home and got to like his style quite a lot. He'll be a nice addition to the daytime listen IMHO. Plus, his podcast pleas for the gig seem to have worked a treat ;-)

Richard Bacon.

So who takes Bacon's old gig? 5 Live fill-in man Tony Livesey (10:30pm to 1am). See...there is reward for filling in ! OK, so he'll have to give up the local BBC morning gig (!).

Tony Livesey.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/5live

Irish Twits ;-)

2009-10-18T17:21:00.003+01:00

Some Irish radio people on twitter that you may be interested in following. These are the guys I mostly follow from the Irish scene. Why bother with Twitter? Well, you don't have to and to be honest, if you see it as a waste of time - then it probably will be a waste of time for you.
However I've managed to learna lot from these and lots of other people through this medium...so for me , it works!

Rick O'Shea RTE 2FM - @rickoshea
Nikki Hayes RTE 2FM - @nikkihayes
Dave Moore 98 - @Dublins98Dave
Dermot Whelan 98 - @dermotwhelan
Adrian Barry 98 - @AdrianBarry98
Niall Power Beat 102103 - @niallpow
Vincent Bradley Beat 102103 - @VincentBradley
Roddie Cleere WLR FM - @roddiecleere
Niall O'Keefe Real Radio - @niallok
Daniel Pitcher Real Radio/Phoenix FM - @Danphoenixfm
Ray Foley Today FM - @rayfoleyshow
Dusty Rhodes DAP - @dustyrhodes

If you have someone in the Irish radio industry that tweets, then let us know - email brian@bmacmedia.com or add the name to the list. Mind you...you could always just tweet it to us !

More Pizza?

2009-10-16T20:16:00.003+01:00

I got great news today about one of (what I coinsider) the best talents on UK commercial radio.

The Pizzaman is coming back!!

That's right - Nick Jordan will be behind the mic on Real Radio next weekend doing a couple of overnight shifts 'Live'.

I can't wait to hear him back on air again - especially on a way bigger platform. His last fulltime gig was breakfast on Alpha Radio, but he has stations such as Kiss and Metro on the CV as well as a couple of CHRs in Canada....so he knows what he's about.

The show will come from Manchester and be heard on Real Radio North West, North East, Yorkshire and Wales (don't forget through Sky too)!

Give 'em hell Nick.

http://www.realradio.co.uk

Video i.

2009-10-15T20:35:00.001+01:00

Latest video from the IRadio camp....

Hot 107.

2009-10-13T22:29:00.007+01:00

It's been a while since we did a Radio Station of The Day thingy...so here goes.

I'm delighted that one of my old co-workers has landed his first major market PD gig. I worked with Russell James back on LG73 and Z95.3 in Vancouver in the early and mid-90s. RJ was always the 'new music' guy and just loved the industry and the radio life. I remember his passion for cars...he drove everything from a Porsche to a Hummer!

Now he's PD at Edmonton's Hot107, the new CHR in town and I hope it goes amazingly well for him. It should do, he knows CHR better than pretty much anyone I've met.

The station launched last week and is rolling out 10,000 songs commercial free to get things moving.

True to Russell's style, the station is very much involved in the Social Media side of things, with links all over the front page of the website to their Twitter feed, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr.

No presenters announced yet...the site says : "We’re making sure we find the HOTTEST DJs on the planet. Check back soon to see who we’ve found"!

Take a look around and a listen to their live stream for imaging etc.

Best wishes to all involved :-)

Hot 107 Webpage.

http://www.hot107.ca

Visitor !

2009-10-13T15:54:00.002+01:00

Rory Bremner visited Jack FM Oxford recently...

WebCams.

2009-10-12T20:39:00.006+01:00

What's your take on studio webcams?

If you are on air, do you like the thought that the listener can watch you go about your business, or is it something that gives you the shivers!

I've often thought it must be a bit of a let down for a punter - really all we are doing in the studio is sitting or standing there looking at computer screens. Nothing too exciting to look at really.

I also always had a problem with the fact that it can take the 'magic' away from radio. Now they can see you, so therefore they don't need to imagine you.

I've never had a webcam on in a studio I've been in, just because I would rather not. Personal preference.

But (!), having said that - I enjoy seeing other people's studios in action.

I got thinking about this after spending a while on the Real Radio site where they have a live stream from the studio cam and I have to say I found it sort of interesting. They've been mentioning the camera a lot on air as well - so it's sort of become part of the station's image. Occasionally the presenters even 'perform' for the camera during links. It's almost like a secret nod and wink to the viewer.

Real Radio WebCam.

Absolute Radio London.

BBC Radio 1.

It is strangely interesting, isn't it !?

90s Network.

2009-10-10T12:15:00.004+01:00

I've been getting a few emails in the last 24 hours asking why The 90s Network website isn't live.
Well, the deal is that at the moment the station is using a '.co.uk' address while they wait for the regular dot com to come back online for them. That would explain that, wouldn't it?
Good luck to Mike O'Brien and his dedicated crew as they launch on another run of this station. It really started to develop an identity during the late stages of it's life last time and I know that the guys behind it have taken all of that experience and are using it to make this one stronger.
The presenters have been given lots and lots of support and encouragement, the programming team have a very definite plan in place and the imaging is top notch (have you noticed that imaging on temp stations is incredibly strong)?

So, head over to http://www.the90snetwork.co.uk and take a listen yourself.

Dabbl.

2009-10-07T06:30:00.004+01:00

No, the heading is not a mis-spell. It's the name of the new DAB/Online station from Absolute Radio. It's name is Dabbl (very web 2.0) and has a few stand-out features.

First, they are broadcasting live sessions from the Absolute studios and are also airing live concerts. Lots of 'live' to start.

Then as things progress, they plan on playlisting the station through listener votes.

I'm not sure how that will work, but the Absolute people are very much on the leading edge at the moment when it comes to digital, so no doubt they have it figured out.

Screenshot.

If you're in the UK you can get them on DAB from 7pm-7am and then online at http://www.dabbl.co.uk

On Air For Real.

2009-10-06T07:12:00.004+01:00

Yesterday was day one for Real Radio - the month long temp licence for Dublin (and surrounding etceteras).

Format? Hot Talk.

How did it sound?

Well, from what I was able to hear (and that wasn't a massive amount)...interesting.

Chris Barry was on in the afternoon with a whole bunch of people in the studio with him including Suzy G. They were talking about David Beckham and then promoting the focus for the next day 'Gay men in sport' and chatting about that.

The imaging by Tony Kiernan is, as you would imagine - slick and focussed.

The one thing that struck me was the music.

Number one, I didn't expect to hear any (and didn't want to).

Number two, it's the same old stuff we hear on pretty much every radio station in the country. A bit of variety wouldn't hurt. They're taking a risk with the format, why play it so safe with the music?

It'd be nice to hear their music person have real fun with the playlist.

Best of luck to the folks there over the next month.
The Real Radio studio.
Take a look at their webstream too, when you get a chance.

http://www.realradio.ie

PPI's.

2009-10-04T18:28:00.002+01:00

What was the biggest thrill for me at this year's PPI Awards?
The award for 'Music Programme - General'.
The winner being 'The Lock In' on Spin 1038, hosted by one young Dara Quilty.
I first met Dara when he was working part time with the 98 Thunders. He said he wanted to try his hand at going on air and I suggested he make a demo and hand it into Toni Tenaglia (who was the PD at the station).
About two days later, Toni called me into her office and said "You've got to hear this"!
It was Dara's demo.
It's a fabulous feeling when you hear raw talent for the first time. When you can tell the person just has 'it' naturally. Well, that's what I heard with Dara's demo.
From that, he landed some overnights on 98. I was lucky enough to be the person who airchecked him in those early days and I've never come across someone so eager and willing to learn. Also, someone so able to put into practice what he was being taught, while also adding his personality to the mix.
He eventually moved to Spin, doing weekends and fill-ins. This is where he truly came into his own.
Now, Dara holds down the late night show 'The Lock In'.
He also recently started work witrh RTE2 TV hosting a two hour daily show.
This award is proof to me that the talent coming through on Irish radio these days is better than ever. We are starting to see entertainers with real savvy getting the jobs and wanting to make radio great. They know formats, but also know how to use them for the listener's benefit.
That's huge.
Way to go Dara!
The first award of many :-)

Oh and a Huge Well Done to KC in Cork on his PPI award.
Both of these guys are humble enough to be thankful and grateful. They are worthy and classy winners.

Gold Winner.

2009-10-02T16:35:00.004+01:00

A big Congratulations to our Overall Winner today: The Gold Award !
It's been a real pleasure organising this first Award for New Presenters in Ireland.
Thanks to all our entrants - it wouldn't have existed without you.
Thanks also to the judges:
Henry Owens, Keith Cunningham, Dusty Rhodes, Toni Tenaglia and Alan Swan.
I will be sending the Winners list to PDs across the country because they need to know the type of talent we have in Ireland.
Listen to the Shortlist and you will agree with me - the future of radio here is in very good hands. In fact, I can't wait to hear this batch of 'newcomers' take over the major gigs...they'll be brilliant.
So - well done and here's to the future :-)

Brian.
http://www.bestnewpresenter.ie

INN.

2009-10-01T20:39:00.002+01:00

Really sorry for the great people at INN.
The service is to end on October 30th, down to the "fall-off in advertising revenue".
The 16 employees were told this afternoon by management.
No doubt radio stations will learn to cope and just get on with things,but that's not what i want to talk about.
It's the people, as always:
Noel Fogarty - a legend in the evenings. Most people working on Irish commercial radio have waited for the cue tones to come down the line and then heard the deep tones say "It's ten o'clock..." and off Noel would go rolling his "r's" and stretching is vowels. Work of art !
My pal Adam Ledwith (who I used to call 'Adam Ledwith-with-with') is one of the strongest and most versatile news people I have seen.
It's a lot for these people to take in right now and I think they deserve the time to lick their wounds and figure out their future.
Good luck guys and hope to hear you all back on air without any gap at all.

Silver Winner.

2009-10-01T15:37:00.002+01:00

The Silver Winner of the Best New Presenter Award was announced today.
Congratulations to our two winners so far...the overall Gold Winner announcement will happen tomorrow at 12 noon on the Website.
http://www.bestnewpresenter.ie

Bronze Award Winner.

2009-09-30T14:14:00.001+01:00

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'.

2009-09-30T08:16:00.001+01:00

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.

2009-09-30T07:50:00.004+01:00

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.

http://www.realradio.ie

Jack'in It In.

2009-09-29T18:29:00.004+01:00

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*

Best wishes to Pam Stevens and Kelly Latremouille. Two amazing radio presenters.

http://www.jackfm.com

*Note very obvious sarcasm.

Bronze Award Winner.

2009-09-29T07:32:00.002+01:00

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

Evans Article.

2009-09-28T07:51:00.002+01:00

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:

http://tinyurl.com/yd5u5qg

New 2FM Boss.

2009-09-26T12:02:00.002+01:00

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.

No NAB.

2009-09-24T05:59:00.002+01:00

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/

Best New Presenter Award.

2009-09-23T15:37:00.003+01:00

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

On Hols For a Bit.

2009-09-17T12:37:00.002+01:00

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.
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.

Boyd's Back.

2009-09-11T20:42:00.005+01:00

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.

http://www.rockradio.co.uk

The Greatest.

2009-09-10T07:14:00.001+01:00

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

WLR.

2009-09-10T07:03:00.002+01:00

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.

PPI Nominations.

2009-09-09T18:30:00.003+01:00

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

The full list is here: http://www.ppiradioawards.com/2009/shortlist_2009.asp

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.

http://www.bestnewpresenter.ie

09/09/09.

2009-09-08T19:20:00.002+01:00

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.

Wogan Announcement.

2009-09-07T13:03:00.003+01:00

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.

2009-09-07T08:57:00.002+01:00

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.

Phoenix Want A Boss.

2009-09-06T20:43:00.002+01:00

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.

Gen X Radio.

2009-09-04T06:53:00.003+01:00

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

Ibiza Pulse.

2009-09-03T20:33:00.002+01:00

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...????

Real-ly?

2009-09-01T18:55:00.004+01:00

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) ;-)

http://www.realradio.ie

Two Things.

2009-08-30T16:46:00.004+01:00

* Watch out for Spin 103.8's Dara Quilty...and I mean 'watch', literally!

He will be coming to your TV screens on a very regular basis in the not too distant future.

Not bad eh? Major market evening gig and now TV knocking on the door...and only two years

in the biz. Great stuff.

* Robin Banks has been speaking with different stations over the past couple of months and you can hear him soon, back on air on a legendary Birmingham station. Nice to have him back !

No Baloney for Mike.

2009-08-30T16:35:00.002+01:00

Back when I was knee high to a mixing desk, I spent a year or so on air with RTE 2FM. Seems like a hundred years ago now, but was really just 1989.
Anyway, one of the stints I had was a two week fill-in for Mike Moloney and 'Moloney After Midnight'. That was a really fun show to present. It was free-style radio and totally chilled while being fun too.
After RTE, Mike spent a good while with Lite FM in Dublin (now Q102) before heading to the Northwest to live.
Was the 2FM show the best radio of his career? Some would say a definite 'Yes' to that and so I'm thrilled to see that Mike is working on bringing the show back, (it seems).
The URL moloneyaftermidnight.com is in the works.
Looking forward to hearing and seeing the results.

Dermot's Day Out :-)

2009-08-27T08:58:00.004+01:00

Dermot Whelan from 98's Morning Crew is one of the few people that genuinely makes me laugh...I'm talking belly laughs here, not just polite chuckles.
This one kicked off my day today beautifully....nothing to do with his radio show - just funny IMHO :-)

Would You Not Be Chilly ??

2009-08-26T20:40:00.004+01:00

New Zealand station 'The Edge' has launched their 'Nude Nuptials' promotion...two people/wedding/nude !
Imagine trying that in Ireland - hypothermia !!
I guess they are heading into their Summer in NZ and are guaranteed some sun and warmth, so why not?
Mind you, iRadio did have The Naked Bus here a while back !
What do you think of this promo - original and creative, or tacky and dumbed-down?
I've heard both comments.

OMG !!

2009-08-25T20:19:00.005+01:00

OMG - I don't believe it :-)

KDLW Albuquerque is now 97.7 OMG! Radio.

Like, wow, y'know??

They've, like, totally changed from Wild 97.7FM.

Totally.

OMG...literally.

What's next - 'LOL Radio'?? Or maybe 'btw-fm'??

Yuh-huh !

http://977omgradio.com/

I'll say this much though - Live shifts, right through to evenings is a good thing. Nice going :-)

OMG! Radio Webpage.

Social Media on Air.

2009-08-24T08:21:00.004+01:00

Do you use Social Media to help your radio gig?
Are you using it on air while in the studio or as a prep source?
How are you making the most of Facebook and Twitter etc.
Well, I'm a huge fan of Social Media but I also realise that there have to be certain rules surrounding it and definite times when it's OK to be 'tweeting' and times when it's not.
That's why I was happy to stumble upon this article written by Jessica Northey about how Social Media can be used by us - Radio People !!
It's worth a few minutes of your time, I feel, if you want to expand your use of or start off using these platforms:
http://fullthrottlecountry.blogspot.com/2009/08/social-media-success-jessica-northey.html

Belfast.

2009-08-23T10:52:00.002+01:00

Saturday was another great day - we couldn't have asked for a more positive and worthwhile five hours. The Radio Presenter Workshop took place in The Malone Lodge in Belfast city and I was honoured to see people attend from all parts of the country: from Belfast, Newry, Donegal, Dublin, Galway and Meath.
Robin Banks was with us for the whole day and was, as always, an inspiration. His passion and dedication for what makes great radio is awesome to see. He truly is one of a kind!
To the folks who came along yesterday, a huge thanks.
The time and energy you are investing in yourselves and your career will always steer you in the right direction.
We never stop learning, right? All of us. It was a real pleasure to share that learning experience yesterday.
Oh, and to the particular female presenter who brought along the home made cakes? All I can say is 'Yummmmm' !! Let's face it - that was a room full of radio people, so the thoughts of free food was very popular :-)

Next Workshop is in Dublin in two weeks.
If you would like to invest in your career and actually put some focus and shape on what the future holds (rather than letting it control you), then feel free to get in touch and we will sort you out , no problem.

Brian.

Kung Pao is back !

2009-08-21T08:09:00.003+01:00

Another Kung Pao in North America !

WVHT in Virginia flipped formats and became Kung Pao FM for a few days last April, now it's Ontario station CIGN-FM stunting with the same website template and audio.

What can you say???

http://www.kungpaoradio935.com

JNLR.

2009-08-21T07:24:00.002+01:00

So, how did you or your station do?
Survive OK? The GM wasn't hunting you down in the hallways looking for 'a meeting' !!?
What happened this time eh?
Well, it seems that Dublin stations are getting a little closer with 104's Share at 11.5, followed by 98 with 10.9, then 2FM 9.2 and Q102 at 8.1 (1.1 increase for Q).
In Cork, 96 still hold the prize with a 34 Share, beating Radio 1 into second. C103 and Red have lost some Share in this book.
At the regional stations, we have Beat in Waterford holding strong with a 20 Reach, the iRadio group are doing well in Galway but suffered in Athlone, Spin SW continue to grow and 4FM entered the market for the first time.
Oh, and Highland Radio? Well, their Share went up again to 64.2 !
http://www.bci.ie/documents/jnlr_july08_jun09.pdf

Radio Stuff.

2009-08-20T08:14:00.003+01:00

Been a busy week in radio-ville...sort of.
The rumours that 2FM are to switch focus from 'yoof' to the 25-44 demo are interesting. What are we talking here, a BBC Radio 2 type station with older presenters and music (plus talk)? My question is related to the presenters (as always) - not who are they going to hire to fill these shifts but who of the current line-up will they decide to do without? Not a nice question at all.

The Nova100 Classic Rock licence for Dublin and the 'commuter belt' has been put on ice for a while. Could be at least a year before they look at trying to launch (so I am told).

The entries for the Best New Presenter Award are coming in to the website - thanks to everyone who has entered.
Find out all here: http://www.bestnewpresenter.ie

It's JNLR day today - how will everyone do?
Will the regionals (Beat, iRadio) continue to grow?
Will Highland retain the highest share?
What about Dublin - FM104, can they stay on top again or will 98 and the re-branded Q102 be more of a challenge?
Will 4FM have impact in it's markets? (I hope so, handy for me having a day job)!
How about LMFM's more talk approach - has that worked out so far for them?
Will 96 and C103 in Cork still dominate, or will Red make some gains?
And could this be one of the last JNLR books for 2FM as a youth station?
Good luck to all.

Dutch Guy's Coming !

2009-08-17T22:43:00.003+01:00

I'm a big fan of 'The Dutch Guy' Maybe you've heard of him?
Yes, he's Dutch and yes he's a guy!
His style is powerhouse entertaining CHR. Very pacey, very punchy and very tight. He's been heard internationally and now The Dutch Guy will perform on Derry based internet station Buzz FM from the end of the month presenting Saturday afternoons.
He'll blow you away and I'm definitely looking forward to hearing him.

Find him at: http://www.dutchguy.me/

http://www.buzzradio.fm/

JC Stands down.

2009-08-13T21:38:00.004+01:00

You may have heard that RTE 2FM programmer John Clarke is stepping down from his position at the end of his current contract.

John is a great man and a real radio person. I can remember listening to his shows on Nova back in the day and then I got a chance to work alongside him on RTE's Millennium 88FM in Dublin just after the pirates closed down. I did a Sunday Oldies show there and John was the producer. He would hand me five bags of albums (one for each hour of the gig) and then, unlike a lot of producers, he would stay and listen to the entire show. Yup, he loves radio - but he loves music just as much!

I went to 2FM after that and then we lost touch...for a while.

We nearly hooked up again in the late 90s. I met John out in Donnybrook to talk about possible future stuff and he was as friendly and enthusiastic as ever. It was obvious how happy he was at the gig and I believe he really is one of the radio legends in this country.

So, whatever he does in the future - I wish him all the very best and I am honoured to have worked alongside the man.

Beat This...

2009-08-13T19:56:00.000+01:00

New video up from Niall and the Beat102103 Breakfast Crew in Waterford:

Best New Presenter Award.

2009-08-13T13:17:00.003+01:00

Well, we launched the website on Monday for the Best New Irish Presenter Award and have been swamped with questions and comments.
So, here's a bit of an update.
A lot of the questions revolved around your audio submission. We have a FAQ section on the site and that has been altered over the past couple of days to answer some of your thoughts. Thanks for the input by the way - it helps us make the process easier to navigate through.
The basic idea is that this award should be easy to enter and have as few stipulations as possible. Our wish is that you feel comfortable and knowledgeable before submitting your entry.
With that said - if you haven't been to the site yet and are interested in the concept of taking part in this award process, then can I suggest heading to http://www.bestnewpresenter.ie so you can see for yourself what it's all about.

This is the only award for New Radio Talent in Ireland - it's about recognising you and your place in this industry.
You're going to be running the show in the future...
http://www.bestnewpresenter.ie

BBC News.

2009-08-11T07:59:00.007+01:00

BBC 1Xtra have moved Tim Westwood into the weekday afternoon drive slot...he'll take over on the 28th of September from Ace and Vis who move to weekends. Westwood has been with the Beeb for the past 15 years.

Westwood.............................Ace & Vis.

Over at Radio 1, Steve Lamacq is set to hang up his headphones on Sept 14th after 16 years - his show will be replaced by music documentaries.

Lamacq.

And so, the radio dial changes ever so slightly again. There'll be no tsunami warnings around these changes though....unlike in San Francisco, where the entire FM music dial could be VT'd by the end of the year. That's right - not one live presenter!

Then and Now.

2009-08-10T18:28:00.002+01:00

AllTheExcess is one of my favourite websites...I subscribe to their feed and am always delighted when I log on daily.
Today's beauty is this 1986 TV ad from Y95, featuring Glenn Beck of Fox News.
Worth a look:

Here he is now:

Best New Presenter.

2009-08-10T08:54:00.002+01:00

The website for the Best New Irish Radio Presenter Award is live as of today.
We have begun accepting audio through the site and this audio will then be handed over to our five industry judges.
Those judges are detailed on the site, along with the Entry page, FAQ and entry deadline etc.
Thanks for your support with this - it's about time we recognised the future of radio in this country :-)
Here's the URL : http://www.bestnewpresenter.ie

Housekeeping.

2009-08-07T12:05:00.002+01:00

Some quick Bmac bits:
* The website for the Best New Irish Radio Presenter Award goes live on Monday. Thanks for all of your emails and tweets about it. I hope I've answered all of your questions. Our judging panel is ready to roll and all things are in place for our launch.

* The two upcoming Workshops are almost full. Belfast on August 22nd has three spaces that we can still keep open, if you are interested. I will be co-presenting that day with the legend that is Robin Banks.
The Dublin Workshop happens on September 5th and I'm delighted that Debbie Allen from Dublin's Q102 has agreed to be our guest speaker that day. Just a few spaces available for that and we have a special 2For1 deal running.

* Finally, the Ezine goes from strength to strength and has expanded it's subscriber list to Australia, new Zealand, the UAE and Pacific Islands. Many thanks to all.

Special mention this week to Colin Kelly from Clyde 1 in Glasgow - showing what can be achieved by using your iniative and ambition. He's a real radio star!

Cheers,
Brian.

New Virgin.

2009-08-06T08:52:00.004+01:00

After the departures of some of their big hitters last week (15 year station veteran Buzz Bishop among them), Virgin 953 in Vancouver have launched their new daytime schedule:

The morning show of Nat and Drew is still there (into it's 6th year now) and Seacrest is still syndicated in the evenings....so what's new?

Well:

9am-Noon is Taylor Jukes, who arrives from the city of Kelowna.

Noon - 3pm has Kevin Lim (another brand new arrival) and then

3pm - 6pm features former evening and weekend guy Kiah co-hosting with Tara-Jean. I could be wrong, but have a feeling Kiah is the first Australian to host PM Drive in Vancouver.

So there it is. I wonder, I wonder, I wonder. Taking a strong line-up of presenters off the air and replacing them with less known talent can be a risk...especially in a competitive market like this. Unless of course, they turn out to be amazing.

Time will tell and good luck :-)

Rajar.

2009-08-06T08:35:00.002+01:00

So, Mr. Wogan's ratings go up again...U105 have their biggest numbers ever...Johnny Vaughan wins the London breakfast market...and the Heart brand is rolling out successfully.

Loads and loads of info and a breakdown here: http://radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?cat.7
Some more detail ? : http://www.radiotoday.co.uk/rajar/
Main site: http://www.rajar.co.uk/
London specific is here: http://pauleaston.blogspot.com/2009/08/london-rajar-q22009.html

Country Stars.

2009-08-05T20:17:00.006+01:00

Have to hand it to Sean Ashmore and the folks at Country Mix...they've brought in some heavy hitters for their Country Fest at the City West hotel.

Last night it was Randy Travis live and tonight, Martina McBride. Couple of major stars right there.

Plus the station have tickets to the CMA Awards in Nashville too...wouldn't mind entering for that one myself ;-)

I developed a real appreciation for the Country format when I worked it for a few years - listeners to country stations are probably the most loyal I have ever come across.

http://www.countrymix.ie/home-mainmenu-1

Clyde's Canucks.

2009-08-05T16:55:00.007+01:00

Have you heard of the band Karamel?

No, neither had I...until they started getting airtime on Clyde 1 in Glasgow.

My friend Colin Kelly, who handles middays there, started playing the group's version of Lady GaGa's 'Lets Dance'. He reckoned they were established and had a record deal. Turns out they're not! No record deal, no nothing.

Colin Kelly Clyde 1.

The band are from Canada and are loving the attention.

Colin has already spoken to Toronto newspapers about the song and tomorrow (Thursday) he will be on air at CFRB1010 in Toronto chatting about how he found the song and the reaction it's getting from his listeners.

Talk about generating your own international reputation!

That's how you get exposure...try something. You never know where it might lead.

You can hear Colin here tomorrow: http://www.cfrb.com

And here, every weekday: http://www.clyde1.com

CSI-104.

2009-08-04T18:47:00.004+01:00

Tomorrow is the final day in qualification for Dublin's FM104's promotion where listeners can win a walk on part on the TV show CSI:Miami.
The station has the final scheduled for Thursday morning at The Wright venue, Airside South Quarter and I would imagine things will get busy from 7am tomorrow when their phone lines open again.
The full prize is six nights in LA with luxury accomodation for you and a friend...and then the walk on part on the show.
Nice original prize and one that fans would definitely get excited about.
If you're on facebook, their page is: http://www.facebook.com/l/;FM104.ie
Otherwise the web page is: http://tinyurl.com/kpz6pf

It's Hot Again.

2009-08-04T11:05:00.003+01:00

Temp station Hot Country CIMR is ready to roll again for another season.

The station will be back on 88.1FM and 104.2FM from September 5th.

I wonder will they be using Jeff Rechner as their voice guy again?

Good luck to Joe and all the people involved :-)

http://www.countryandirish.ie

TT On Air.

2009-08-03T20:08:00.003+01:00

Former 98 PD Toni Tenaglia is back on the air this week.

She is filling in on breakfast at JackFM Oxford's sister station FM107.9.

Toni has been working with iRadio and Jack FM since she left 98 and she is a former 'Australian Radio Entertainer Of The Year' award winner from back in 2003...so she's knows her way around a studio.

If you know a 'back-door' way of listening to this station in Ireland, let me know because it's not possible to listen to their stream via the website :-(

http://www.fm1079.co.uk

Best New Presenter Award.

2009-08-02T15:09:00.004+01:00

Thanks for all of your enquiries regarding the Award for Best New Irish Radio Presenter.

Here's the latest:

The website is almost ready to go 'live'.

We have the five judges confirmed.

Rules and Regs have been sorted.

One question I received: "Will it cost"? Great question.The answer is 'No'. Entry to this award is free.

So, if you want to get a head start on things, here are three things you will need to know.

1. Audio can be no longer than three minutes duration.

2. Audio needs to be encoded as 128k stereo MP3 files. Your audio can be uploaded directly from the 'Entry' page on the site.
3. The competition is open to anyone with up to two years continuous experience behind a mic on any radio station on the island of Ireland.

That's it for now.

As I say, entries will be taken when the website goes 'live' (special thanks to DAP for all the help putting the website together).

One Week...

2009-08-02T11:45:00.009+01:00

This blog took a week off for it's summer holidays and has come back with a nice tan and is all relaxed now.

What's been happening in the world while it was away sunning itself?

Well...

Country Mix has been bough by East Coast FM.

Virgin 953 in Vancouver fired three of it's daytime roster (and PD by all accounts). Included in the departures is 15 year station veteran Buzz Bishop. Best wishes to all.

Here's their current on air page on the website...lots of gaps there:

Modern Rocker Indie 101.5 in Denver is now stunting as '101.5 The Pole - Stripper Music' !

Seacrest has been told to play more music and cut back on the chat on his KIIS morning show in LA...he's not too happy about that apparently.

Finally - thanks to everyone for the feedback regarding our Best New Presenter Award...we will begin accepting audio from next week. The website is ready to roll as well: http://www.bestnewpresenter.ie/

More info and updates about this on the weekly Ezine and here on the blog in the lead up to the launch.

New 98 Site.

2009-07-25T10:11:00.007+01:00

I'm liking the new-look website from Dublin's 98.

Lots of info on there -photo gallery is better and presenter blogs are easy to find.

Plus the all important bios are updated with new pictures...such as:

The one and only Mister Dunne...

...and one of my favourite radio people, Caroline :-)

http://www.dublins98.ie

Just a Thought.

2009-07-23T20:05:00.003+01:00

Around this time of year, radio stations are working behind the scenes gathering audio and writing scripts for their entry to the PPI awards.

Good luck to all.

I was scanning the list of categories and noticed one missing...one very close to my heart.

That is - an award for the Most Promising Newcomer.

In my opinion, the people who are the future of radio in this country need not only recognition - but support from their peers.

This is a tough industry to make your mark in.

You need the talent, the luck and a pretty thick skin to get places.

We have a wealth of new talent in Ireland on the air. They are working evenings and weekends, doing fill-in shifts here and there and generally doing whatever it takes to get that all important 'foot in the door'.

So, I'm wondering - would it be a good idea to recognise these newcomers somehow?

I feel it would be.

What I plan is a sort of award - nothing on the scale of the PPI Awards (I can't stretch that far I'm afraid)!

But an award none the less.

What do you think?

I'm looking at presenters with two years experience or less. They could work in local, community, voluntary or commercial radio - doesn't matter. A mic is a mic as far as I'm concerned.

Details will be worked out within the next week, but basically it would involve a presenter presenting their audio and that audio then handed over to a panel of professional radio people (presenters, programming etc) from various stations across the country.

These people will then have a vote on who they feel is the best 'newcomer'.

Look at it two ways:

1. It's a nice 'lift' for the presenters involved and

2. It's a great way to get your audio heard by people with influence.

You can share your thoughts by using the reply section here or email me brian@bmacmedia.com

I'm looking at getting the whole thing kicked off properly by next week.

Cheers for you time,

Brian.

Hot Hits !

2009-07-22T08:26:00.003+01:00

Whenever I would mention Sunshine 101 to anyone who never heard the station, the would ask me what the format was. I would say, "CHR, but we called it Hot Hits". At which point the person would snigger a little bit and say something on the lines of "Hot Hits? That's really 80s".

Well guess what kids?

Theeeeey're back !

KKXX in Bakersfield California have just flipped to 'Hot Hits 93.1'.

Bill Cunningham would be laughing ;-)

The station dumped the Pirate Radio image and 'Playing What We Want' tag yesterday.

Website hasn't flipped yet and just says 'Under Construction' at the moment.

http://bakersfieldpirateradio.com

Lou Red.

2009-07-21T20:07:00.003+01:00

Since she finished up with Dublin's 98 a while ago, things have certainly been moving for their former mid-afternoon presenter Louise Heraghty.

She's been heard on Beat 102103 from Waterford, is a regular on Today FM, works on screen with TV3 and now...is in Cork for two week's worth of middays on Red FM !.

The lady is in demand.

You can hear Lou here: http://www.redfm.ie

104 Candles.

2009-07-19T20:31:00.003+01:00

It's a happy 20th birthday to Dublin's FM104 tomorrow.

I remember the station starting off, as the city's first ever local commercial. Back then it was known as Capital 104.4FM and broadcast from a portakabin on top of the Stephens Green Centre (what was it with radio stations and portakabins back then)??

I spent a very short while there during the early 90s - happy to be able to say I did that.

Capital eventually morphed into Rock104...that didn't last too long, before becoming the FM104 we know now.

My favourite era for the station is the time when Colm hosted the mornings with Joan and Justin McKenna.

Happy Birthday to all involved now and all of those who helped mold the station in the past...that's a lot of people.

No Jo.

2009-07-18T12:06:00.003+01:00

Just to end the week with the fact that Jo Whiley is to be replaced on the BBC Radio 1 mid-morning slot by Fearn Cotton from September 21st.

Obviously a bg 'well done' to Fearn Cotton on the new gig, but I have to say I'll miss Jo Whiley on that gig.

I'm a huge fan - no pretentions, no corny 'jocking'...she just got on with the job and was a real communicator on that gig. A very solid performer who knew exactly what to do and how to do it.

Whether you liked her on air features and guests doesn't matter - the fact is (in my opinion), she delivered. Good news is that she will still be on air: weekends from 1-4pm.

Will be interesting to hear how things work in Spetember.

Others news from the past week has Chris Moyles signing for one more year.

Station Of The Day.

2009-07-16T20:03:00.005+01:00

96FM in Perth Western Australia say "It's All About The Music".

That music includes the likes of The Cure, Nirvana and Linkin Park.

They have their own podcasts, a 96FM Online Army (nice twist) and CD of The Week.

Shifts are mostly four hours long outside of mornings and middays, with Gavin Miller doing a nice job on afternoon drive (or 'avro' as they say) ;-)

It's The Crew of Gary, Fitzi and Aleysha on AM duties.

Nicely formatted and executed major market station that's worth an hour of your online listening IMHO.

http://www.96fm.com.au

Radio Hall Of Famer?

2009-07-15T08:22:00.003+01:00

Dan O'Day got in touch with me today with a suggestion:
He is looking for people to cast a vote for legendary presenter Gary Burbank to be included in the Radio Hall Of Fame.
Dan has a link to the ballot casting on his blog:
http://danoday.com/blog/2009/07/lets-vote-gary-burbank-into-the-radio-hall-of-fame/

In his own words, "This guy isn't the reason I got into radio. But he's the reason I stayed".
Take a scoot over to the blog and see what you think.

Cheers :-)