Ireland

The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland organisation has branded the proposed Journalism Schemes unfit-for-purpose and are calling for an even playing field for the sector.
The IBI, representing all 34 independent stations in Ireland, wants to discuss proactive ways to support the commercial sustainability of the sector for the long-term, with proposed measures including reforming the Broadcast Levy paid to Coimisiún na Meán and modernising the Codes and Rules that regulate output.
Both of these issues Coimisiún na Meán is currently running public consultations on.
IBI Chief Executive, Michael Kelly says the broadcasting policy in Ireland is totally letting down the nation’s independent radio stations and their millions of listeners, and is failing utterly to produce measures to support the real needs of radio stations in the sector.
In a statement, the body says:
“Broadcasting policy has clearly focussed its attention on providing hundreds of millions of euro of funding to RTE. Zero public funding is being provided to independent radio to support the provision of its core news and current affairs public service broadcasting. This is while RTE is being guaranteed in excess of €720 million in funding over three years (a figure which excludes RTE’s commercially generated revenue). The funding decisions for RTE appear to have been taken without any consideration being given to the effects on the independent sector. Independent stations believe that this situation will lead to serious market distortion.
Meanwhile a number of Schemes are being implemented, which quite simply will not work – they are mis-directed and impractical, and do not address the issues facing the sector in any meaningful way. The schemes are so unfit-for-purpose that despite intensive work by individual radio stations, they have been unable to find any way in which the schemes can be made work in helping stations meet their existing public service broadcasting obligations. This is because the schemes specifically rule out support for core news and current affairs and only fund “additional” content, they adopt a one-size fits all approach to different media sectors, and they promote precarious employment with no assurance that they will continue.
The schemes in their current form are described by the independent sector as “an ill thought-out gig economy solution” which is totally unsuitable for radio.
After more than 18 months of seeking changes to make the schemes work for the independent radio sector it was with great disappointment and reluctance that each of the independent individual stations, separately and after intensive efforts, concluded that the design and operation of the Schemes meant it was not possible to make them work. These were decisions by each of the stations which starkly shows how unfit-for-purpose the schemes are.
There is deep frustration and disappointment across the independent radio sector at the way it has been treated. The playing field has never been more uneven and despite everything broadcasting policy is favouring RTE over everyone else.
Now this has to change.
Independent stations stress that they are willing and eager to work with the Minister, the Department and the Regulator to make the necessary changes to schemes in order for them to meet the needs of the independent radio sector. However, they say that based on recent experience, this is a process which will likely take at least 18 months. They say it is imperative that interim solutions are found.
In the context of unsuitable schemes that have been years in the making and which are proving not fit for purpose, legislators and public representatives of all parties must now ensure that the upcoming Budget provides fair and proportionate funding for the independent radio sector.
Blindly following limited and unworkable recommendations from the Future of Media Commission, which were not based on a deep understanding of our sector, is resulting in a serious threat to media plurality and a competitive and independent sector.
Now is the time for TD’s and Senators to act.”
RadioToday has contacted Coimisiún na Meán and RTE for additional comment but no replies were received at the time of publication. […]

Bauer Media Audio Ireland has made a series of senior leadership appointments spanning its People, Editorial, Operations and Marketing functions.
Celine McNamara has been appointed People and Culture Director, Eric Moylan becomes Managing Editor of Newstalk, Liam Thompson will join as Group Operations Director while Róisín Reilly is promoted to Group Marketing Director.
Chris Doyle, CEO Bauer Media Audio Ireland said: ‘I’m delighted to announce the addition of these four exceptional leaders to our senior team. As we continue to shape the future of audio by building audiences and investing in our vision for success, their expertise, creativity and perspective will help drive the business to the next level.
“Celine, Eric, Liam and Róisín join a team full of passion for our audiences, advertisers and our people. The scale and impact of Bauer continues to grow and with these new leaders on board at such an important time, we look forward to achieving great things together in the months and years ahead.”
From the press release:
People and Culture Director – Celine McNamara
A Human Resource professional for over twenty years working across several dynamic and challenging sectors, Celine has specific experience supporting growth, change and transformation. She joins the company after leading the people function in Jigsaw – National Centre for Youth Mental Health for the last eight years.
At Bauer, she will be responsible for advising and supporting people managers in all HR topics, supporting organisational development in addition to leadership performance and change processes.
Managing Editor, Newstalk – Eric Moylan
Eric will lead a high performing editorial team and will play a key role in shaping the long-term strategic and editorial vision for Newstalk.
He will be responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of high quality trusted content that grows engagement and delivers commercial success across all platforms, with a particular emphasis on digital audio and podcasting.
Eric was a member of the Newstalk team for over a decade where he held a variety of senior editorial roles as well as previously working at Virgin Media Television as a producer. He rejoins from Bus Éireann where he was Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications.
Group Operations Director – Liam Thompson
Liam will oversee and co-ordinate the multifaceted daily operations of Bauer Media Audio Ireland ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the group and growing its innovation capabilities.
He will lead a team of experienced managers and professionals working across Bauer’s entire portfolio of brands and products. A senior executive in radio and audio, Liam has wide ranging operational experience in both Ireland, the UK and internationally having managed multiple media brands and launches.
Formerly Group Programme Director for the Communicorp Group across 9 countries, Liam is co-creator of the award-winning digital audio product ‘The Smart Seven’ and joins from Ireland’s Classic Hits.
Group Marketing Director – Róisín Reilly
Previously Head of Marketing for Music & Entertainment at Bauer and with over ten years’ experience, Róisín is promoted to this newly created role of Group Marketing Director where she will be responsible for developing and executing strategic marketing plans to drive growth, increase brand awareness, and enhance market penetration. Her brief spans the full group portfolio of brands in Bauer across broadcast and digital.
Leading a team across brand and product marketing, social media, video, and multimedia design, Róisín will be responsible for delivering impactful marketing strategies that contribute to audience and commercial growth. […]

Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio has appointed Clint Drieberg as Programme Director till Christmas.
The move comes as Liam Thompson steps down from the role of PD with the station to take up a role with Bauer Media Ireland.
Clint has been Assistant Programme Director / Executive Producer and, more recently, Content Controller, at sister station, Radio Nova, since 2015.
He will take up the role as Programme Director at Classic Hits in October until his planned return to Australia at the end of the year. The radio station intends to commence a recruitment drive to appoint a Content Director in the near future.
Chief Executive Kevin Branigan told RadioToday: “Clint is a very impressive programmer and producer. His attention-to-detail and work ethic are second to none and he brings an energy and can-do attitude to everything he turns his hand to. I’m delighted that he will now bring his talents to Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio”.
Clint Drieberg added: “I’m delighted to be appointed Programme Director of Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio. Radio is the best media in the world and it is an honour and a privilege to work everyday shaping the soundtrack to people’s lives and creating compelling content for their speakers.”
Kevin continued: “Classic Hits Radio and Radio Nova are two of the most successful radio stations in Ireland and Clint’s appointment demonstrates the opportunities for career advancement that exist within our group, Bay Broadcasting.” […]

Christmas FM is back today for a special one day live broadcast to kick off the 100 day countdown to Christmas.
The festive station is also running a competition for one primary school class to officially ‘Switch Christmas On’ across the airwaves for 2024.
The winning class will be featured in the official Christmas FM 2024 photoshoot, which the station says will be a magical experience filled with festive fun and merriment. Additionally, a live link up will also take place at the winning class in November, coinciding with Christmas FM’s return to the airwaves.
The competition is open to primary school classes nationwide and closes at 10:00am on Monday 23rd September.
Christmas FM, which is celebrating 17 years on air this year, has also confirmed ‘The Magic of Christmas’ fundraising appeal will be returning for its third year to raise money for three of Ireland’s leading children’s charities – Barnardos, Barretstown, Make-A-Wish Ireland and a range of children’s charities around Ireland making a difference in local communities through Community Foundation Ireland.
The Magic of Christmas was launched in 2022, with the aim of raising €1,000,000 over a three-year period for the charities.
So far, The Magic of Christmas fundraising appeal has raised €618,706 for the charities between 2022 and 2023, with these funds being used for a range of services which include: providing hot nutritious meals for children, support for families facing the cost-of-living crisis, wishes for children living with life-threatening illnesses across Ireland, and hundreds of hours of therapeutic programmes for children.
Garvan Rigby, co-founder of Christmas FM, said: “For all of us at Christmas FM, it’s never too early to talk about Christmas! We can’t wait to ‘Switch Christmas On’ with help from one special primary school class this year. It’s a great prize, and we’re excited to see which school will win.
“We are also delighted to be working alongside Barnardos, Barretstown, Make-A-Wish Ireland and Community Foundation Ireland again this year for the third year of The Magic of Christmas fundraising appeal. We know that we can count on our incredible Christmas FM listeners to support these charities and donate to help us reach our target of €1,000,000 raised for children in need.” […]

Coimisiún na Meán has awarded over €10 million of funding under the latest round of Sound & Vision Scheme.
Round 53 will support the production of 56 radio projects, totalling over €1.1 million, and 35 projects for television, totalling €9 million. 175 applications requesting over €21 million were submitted for consideration.
One of the projects involves 16 commercial radio stations creating audio about climate change and climate action which will produce over 2,800 hours of programming for radio listeners across Ireland.
Newstalk, Radio Kerry and Dublin City FM are also getting funding for special programming.
95% of funding has been allocated to independent producers, with 30% of all funding going to projects in the Irish language or bilingual.
An additional €2 million of funding has been secured by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to support children and young people’s programming.
Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Media Development Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán said: “The Sound & Vision Scheme has gone from strength to strength, continuing to fund programming for Irish audiences, with a focus on Irish culture, heritage and experience.
“We are delighted to announce that Round 53 is the largest single round in Sound & Vision history, with over €10.1 million allocated to 91 new projects across TV and radio including animation, drama, documentary, entertainment and educational programming.
“I would also like to thank Minister Catherine Martin for the allocation of an additional €2 million in funding for children and young people’s programming, which recognises the important role of children as creators and consumers in Ireland’s media landscape. Sound & Vision remains a vital funding source for broadcasters and independent producers, enabling them to create programming for audiences that would otherwise not get made.
“Funding from Round 53 will contribute to An Coimisiún’s ambition of developing a thriving media landscape for Ireland that reflects the diversity of our people and traditions. Of the 35 television productions funded, 80% feature women as producers and 54% have women as directors. We look forward to seeing and hearing the projects funded under this Sound & Vision round on our screens and on our airwaves.”
Round 53 consists of funding from the television licence fee, and funding of €2 million secured by Catherine Martin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, with 13 projects across television and radio being allocated funding for programming focused on children and young people. […]

Robert Heath, author of the seminal book “The Hidden Power of Advertising” will feature at an upcoming Radiocentre Ireland event.
Sounding Out 2024, which takes place on Thursday, the 10th of October, is happening in The Round Room at The Mansion House Dublin from 8.30am till 1pm.
Robert will talk about why the move towards attention measurement is a big mistake. You will also hear insights on the attention debate from renowned strategist Craig Mawdsley (Founding Partner Craig + Bridget). There will also be a focus on effectiveness where you will hear from Bridget Angear (Craig + Bridget) and Andrew Tindall, System1 about new frontiers of effectiveness thinking based on insights from IPA and Effies case studies. ‍
Ralph van Dijk will show why brands which define their audio strategy, both media and creative, enjoy strong business outcomes.
This event will also feature a new research study, commissioned by Radiocentre Ireland which reveals insights on the role audio plays in driving mental availability.
Register for your place and see more details here. […]