Ireland

Radio stations across the country are making sure they are ready for Storm Eowyn on Friday.
Ireland’s independent services are ramping up preparations to ensure they are ready to quickly provide updated information to householders and businesses, along with RTE national stations.
Storm Eowyn is expected to be extremely severe in terms of damage and danger, and therefore information provided through radio stations will be needed by householders or businesses if electricity, water, or telecoms are affected, or if public safety information needs to be rapidly communicated by organisations like the local authorities, the Gardai or other emergency services.
Met Éireann has already issued a Status Red warning for the entire country from the early hours of Friday.
Michael Kelly, Chief Executive of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland commented today: “Our stations have ensured they are ready. At times of severe weather like this, radio is a vital source of information and householders or businesses are always advised to keep their FM radio nearby with spare batteries so they can hear news updates over the airwaves from our stations in relation to damage assessments, repair outlooks and other essential local and national information.
“Our 34 local, regional, and national stations are prepared. We know from past experience that mobile phone network sites, or indeed mobile phone handsets themselves, can be affected by power cuts, but the FM system is resilient and can communicate directly without need for broadband or internet access.
“FM provides local and national news and information directly to your radio. The independent radio sector has a total of more than 160 journalists across our stations as well as other essential staff dedicated to providing news updates and bulletins to listeners.
“Our people will be ensuring vital information is provided quickly to listeners, while keeping safe themselves.
“We have diesel generators at our stations and at our transmitter locations around the country and, as our radio stations are critical infrastructure, we work closely with ESB Networks. We assure our listeners we will be doing everything we can to provide uninterrupted provision of news and information.” […]

FM104’s drivetime presenter and programmer Ben Murray is the new Managing Editor at iRadio.
In his new role, under James Brownlow, Ben will be responsible for leading the audience growth strategy, focusing on iRadio’s content output.
Ben has worked in radio for over 20 years in music scheduling, programming strategy, talent development and as the host of FM104’s flagship Drivetime show, a role he held for over 12 years.
Ben joined Bauer Media Audio Ireland in 2023 as Music & Entertainment Planning Producer, working across SPIN, 98FM, and Today FM contributing to production and programming across the brands.
Ben Murray: “I am thrilled to take on the role of Managing Editor at iRadio and to continue contributing to Bauer Media Audio Ireland’s passion for creating original and exciting audio content. I’m excited to lead the next chapter of iRadio, alongside some of the most talented professionals in the industry.”
James Brownlow “Ben moving to iRadio is a key appointment to my senior content team making sure Bauer Media Audio Ireland is in the best shape and as focussed as ever to deliver for Irish audiences now and in the future.”

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Today FM presenters Ian Dempsey and Dave Moore are on a mission to help their listeners by getting them half a day off work on Monday.
As part of Today FM’s ‘Make Your Mornings’ campaign, promoting both shows to early birds across the country, Ian and Dave have big activity planned on Blue Monday to lift people’s spirits on what is often considered to be the most depressing day of the year.
Ian Dempsey, will be encouraging businesses across the country to let their staff take a half day as part of ‘Iano’s Sneaky Half Day’ campaign. Ian is doing a call out to all managers, bosses, CEOs and anyone calling the shots in their company to allow their staff to take a half day on Blue Monday, January 20th.
This will be a once off national holiday to lift spirits across the country and give workers a well deserved break after returning to the office earlier this year. With lots of businesses already signed up and committed to take part, you can apply to be a part of the campaign at todayfm.com/sneaky.
Dave Moore is looking get the nation laughing this Blue Monday. Dave will be hosting his show with a wealth of Irish comedic talent including Garron Noone, Fred Cooke, Eric Lawlor and plenty more to be announced. In what can only be described as a laugh a minute broadcast, Dave and his army of comedians are on a mission to turn frowns upside down and bring plenty of laughs to listeners this Blue Monday.
Dave will also have music from 80s Pop singer Sinitta, to bring a bit of music nostalgia amongst the laughter.
Commenting on the campaign, Ian Dempsey said: “Half day, is it? Everyone loves an unexpected half day, that’s why we’re urging all bosses around the country to give their hardworking employees a half day this Blue Monday. January can be a tough month for most with low funds after Christmas, dark nights before 5pm and friends doing the dreaded dry January.
“It can be hard to keep the spirits up. So this Blue Monday, we want to beat these January blues by giving you the break you deserve. Just make sure you tell the boss you’re doing it first!”
Commenting on the campaign, Dave Moore said: “Who said Blue Monday had to be depressing? We’re getting some of Ireland’s top comedians on the show to turn your frowns upside down, we guarantee to have you in stiches all through the morning.
“So tune in to our Blue Monday comedy special – We promise you’ll be laughing so hard you won’t even remember what day it is!” […]

Over €330,000 has been awarded by Coimisiún na Meán to media events and activities for 2025.
In the latest round of the Sponsorship Scheme, 32 successful applications include festivals supporting animation, film and television, seminars and conferences, and awards recognising journalism and the creativity of Ireland’s audiovisual and broadcasting industries.
Radio Days Ireland has also been awarded money to operate its conference next month in Dublin, whilst University College Cork has money to produce Broadcast to Podcast: 100 years of Radio in the Republic of Ireland.
Commenting on the launch of the new Sponsorship Scheme round, Coimisiún na Meán Media Development Commissioner Rónán Ó Domhnaill said: “Coimisiún na Meán is committed to developing a media landscape which reflects and shapes who we are as a society.
“We believe that a vibrant, well-funded media sector is crucial to ensure that Irish audiences get to enjoy the best of Irish media.
“Our Sponsorship Scheme allows us to play an important role in supporting a wide range of media events and activities across the island of Ireland, that reflect the diversity of Irish society and recognise the creativity and innovation in media today.
“I am delighted to announce the successful applicants for our Sponsorship Scheme for 2025, and we look forward to another year of exciting events and activities which strengthen Ireland’s media landscape.’’

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The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland has welcomed the Programme for Government which acknowledges and pledges action on crucial areas for independent radio.
The Programme says the Government will:
• Ensure “accessible funding for local radio and print media to support the provision of objective news and current affairs content”.
• Review the Sound and Vision Scheme to support broadcasters and “make it easier to access and ensure proportionate and accessible funding for independent radio”.
• Strengthen the Local Democracy and Court Reporting Schemes “to ensure they are meeting their intended objectives”.
• Explore options “to maintain access to local and commercial radio”.
Michael Kelly, Chief Executive of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, has issued the following statement on the move:
“The Programme sets a positive foundation for us to engage with the new Media Minister, and we will be rolling up our sleeves and working constructively with the Minister and the Government to action the Programme’s policies dealing with our sector.
“The document promises to ensure supports for the independent radio sector are proportionate and accessible, and that is essential.
“The Media section of the Programme provides a strong basis for positively and constructively progressing key issues to ensure a strong independent radio sector. We very much look forward to an early meeting with the new Minister to progress the policies as soon as possible,” he added.
“We are very grateful to all of those who were involved in negotiating and putting together the Programme for Government for seeing the need to address major issues facing independent radio.
“We will now work together with Government to help ensure the actions are delivered, and to put in place measures needed to ensure a more level playing-field in the media sector.
“He noted that the Programme states that “independent media, both nationally and locally, performs a vital public service”. […]

The Home of Innovation is the new title sponsor of The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show on Today FM.
The sponsorship, which was secured by Media Central, will see the home appliance provider become an integral part of The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show through stings, promotions and cross station digital display.
Commenting on the new partnership, Ian Dempsey said: “We’re all delighted here in Today FM towers to welcome The Home of Innovation onboard as title sponsor of The Breakfast Show for 2025.
“A lot of our listeners tune in to the show in their kitchens every morning as they eat their breakfast, get the morning headlines and pack up for the day ahead so to have a sponsor that’s an expert in kitchens and home appliances, we feel, is a perfect match for us.
“We’re very much looking forward to working with The Home of Innovation and we fully expect our early bird listeners to love the new partnership as well.”
Commenting on the sponsorship Maeve McCarey, Head of Marketing at BSH Ireland said: “We are very excited to come on board as title sponsors of the Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show. At the Home of Innovation, we show you the leading kitchen appliance brands, Bosch, Siemens and NEFF. Brands that value and encourage quality – with innovative and sustainable kitchen appliances – that are designed for healthy and comfortable living. We look forward to the year ahead and bringing our knowledge and expertise to Ian’s listeners.
Sponsorship Director of Media Central, Ross McDonnell said: “There’s few names as well known on Irish Radio as Ian Dempsey and we’re delighted to welcome the Home of Innovation as new title sponsors of the show. Working closely with OMD and Bosch we’re especially looking forward to activating the partnership across the year, allowing Ian to inform his huge listenership all that the Home of Innovation has to offer.”

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