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djrobross Posted - 10 July 2001 21:47

Alright Guys and Gals, Im just bored, so I came in here! Nah really Im not! Anyways pulse FM reunion bit of a laf! What ever happened to the days gone by when the anoraks used to have a booze up every month or so? It used to happen in several places like the Clontarf etc, if my memory serves me right. Anyone in the mood for a drinking session at the end of the month or something, just for a bit of a laf? Serious replys please. Lets make it a pub in town or somewhere, I dunno I have some ideas but Im open to comments! Go on ya know ya want ta! Talk to u later! Rob

DeargDoom Posted - 10 July 2001 Are you old enough to get served, or will we have to meet up in Wesley?

The Big Kahuna 2001 Posted - 10 July

How did the reunion go?

djrobross Posted - 10 July 2001 22:29 funny guy, wez ha ha ha - no for an answer, but if your too young, Im sure you can go to the Criket Club Clontarf I asked for sensible replys, The reunion was a bit of a laf, I had to leave early though, but yeah pretty cool

The Big Kahuna 2001 Posted - 10 July 2001 22:44 I wasn't asking you Rob as I find you a bit annoying, but to anyone else - how did it go?

DeargDoom Posted - 10 July 2001 22:52 It was a good laugh - fairly quiet (I didn't see anybody getting chinned, or caned etc etc!), but it was nice to be able to catch up with some people I hadn't seen for a couple of years. The dregs of the party (myself included) ended up in a certain pirate radio station at about 3.30 in the morning!

buddy kisser Posted - 11 July 2001 3:13

'If memory serves me right' Eh Isnt Rob about 18? So how would he remember the 'old days'??? Also He had to leave the pulse reunion early because he couldn't handle his drink!!! and got really locked. As for the pulse reunion, I have to say it was a great night, loads of olds faces and chance to meet up and have chats. I especially liked the version of Love is in the air that mark did whilst speeding up and slowing down and changing the EQ much to the delight of the crowd. Oh yeh, Rob was going around taking photos of himself with Jocks who would rather have been cleaning toilets with a toothbrush than posing for a photo op!

anon Posted - 11 July 2001 11:16 Oh my god theres no need to be so harsh, all he is trying to do is share an interest. Give him a break.

Enrique Iglesias Posted - 11 July 2001 18:38 Ah will ye shut up ye fool! You weren't even there so how could you possibly comment on what the guy was like!!!!!?

djrobross Posted - 11 July 2001 21:22 funny really funny, its they have all fuct up imaginations- just like one little kid, and his imagination stations

robbbie Posted - 12 July 2001 22:0

The thing is it was a reunion for people involved in pulse fm, not a night out for successful big name Dj's to meet their their loving public. The age comment is irrelevant!

Forums | Legal Radio | Gareth Scully Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

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The Real Stuttering John Posted - 12 July 2001 17:34

  I was shocked to see this. He formerly worked for Q102 in Dublin and many others. I don't know how true this is so I will not post the message myself, you can read it yourself: http://members3.boardhost.com/spangles/msg/694.html

Liam Coburn Posted - 12 July 2001 20:41 I have just read the original message on the Cary board. It was posted by Niall McCaughy who was a good friend of Garrett. I am saddened by this, Garrett was one of radio's loveable rogues. I worked with him at Q102 and Capital/Rock 104. Garrett was a true radio fanatic. I remember going round to his house in Rathgar for dinner one evening shortly after the pirates closed, he took me up to his spare room where he had a complete radio studio kitted out, including the original Kiss FM (102.7) desk!! Although I haven't seen him for a while, I will miss Garrett, he was one of radio's good guys.

kevin sweeney Posted - 13 July 2001 22:7 very sad news indeed, and not very old either. his family will be devastated, and my sympathy goes out to them.

david baker Posted - 13 July 2001 22:10

i cannot believe this news, how awful and a chap who was not that old, i worked on various projects with garett in the 8os, lovely chap and a guy who loved radio. R.I.P

Niall Mac Caughey Posted - 13 July 2001 22:52

For those who knew Garrett and are able to attend, the time of the funeral is 11:00 tomorrow (Saturday) in St. Patrick's Church of Ireland in Enniskerry with cremation afterwards in Mount Jerome. There was a receiving service this evening at 18:30 and the church was full. A recording of "My Way" was played and, for those who knew Garrett, it was very appropriate (although he would have been critical of the edit at the end!).

Liam Coburn Posted - 14 July 2001 0:24 I have this image of Garrett marching up to the pearly gates, announcing that he's on the guest list and, once inside, saying "Right horse, the first thing we need to do is get you a radio station, just leave it to me"!! I will say a little prayer for him tomorrow morning and raise a glass to him tomorrow night!

ARD Posted - 14 July 2001 14:52 I came across Garrett once or twice during my time in radio, in the 80s. I didn't know him, but find it very sad to hear of his young and untimely death. Many sympathies to his family, friends and people who were closest to him. R.I.P.

Forums | Legal Radio | community radio stations Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

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RADIO FREE KING Posted - 8 July 2001 14:26

Could anyone please tell me if the I.R.T.C are granting anymore community radio licenses.

optimod Posted - 8 July 2001 17:16 I fu*king hope not! Look at the $hite that's on the air at the moment! Kill community radio now, before it strikes again!!

luther arkwright Posted - 8 July 2001 22:36

licences will probably be granted this year to the Waterford institute of technology, Cashel Community Radio and Knock Community Radio, the three stations who put in applications this time around

RadioFriend Posted - 9 July 2001 17:27 Thats fantastic Optimod......That post took a lot of thought...Its fantastic to come to this board and talk to people interested in Radio like yourself and get the chance to learn a little more about Radio...Community Radio is fantastic and should always be part of Broadcasting in this country, I have said this before and I don't know does anyone agree but Radio down the country and if fact in all parts of the country should be informative. Are we back to this word "Cool"again....is 95,96,and 98Fm etc cool because they put their Jocks through "OPTIMODS"and have people Americans doing their sweepers and Voice-overs?.....Has everyone forgot who and where we are ..What's wrong with being Irish, What's wrong with talking about dances and Bingo in a local hall on the Radio .....?If people want that isn't that the way to go?...trust me I know why people listen to Community Radio and long live Community Radio I say.. And while I’m on the subject..If you tune into WPLJ NY you wont hear a Kerry, Waterford or Tipperary man doing the Jingles ...so please tell me why we hear a guy from NY doing that for stations here.....Its all ****e and to be honest the IRTC have a lot to answer for letting it go this way..Every bloody station in the country is the same now ,if its not Hits and Memories its Classic Hits if its not that its something the same up the dial again....Gezzzz

The Real Stuttering John Posted - 9 July 2001 18:22 I agree with radiofriend above in parts. Community radio is a good idea and there is room for it although I never listen or have I ever heard of anybody who does, in Dublin anyway. However I disagree about the amount of quality frequencies it takes up. Why can't phoenix fm way over da northside be on 107.2 as is TCR in Tallaght or vice versa seeing as they are supposed to be community stations for that area only. These extra frequencies should be allocated to specialist music stations that are semi commercial i.e. allow 50-60% of the mins per hour for advertising that the big boys have in Dublin for example. Therefore lots of revenue is not taken away from the big boys, while the specialist music stations can earn a reasonable income with a smaller staff, smaller profits, smaller expenses etc.....and enable small advertisers who can't afford the big boys a chance to advertise their business. At the moment we have the corner shop of radio i.e. the community stations and the big supermarkets i.e. commercial radio. Why don't the IRTC allow the centra and the spars of this world to exist in radio?? i.e. medium size business with a staff of 15-20 perhaps. Let stations like sun fm, phantom, jazz, premier, gem and so on exist. What about the KLAS fm's of this world that used to be in Dublin? Allow an easy listening station (not soft hits like Lite) to exist. What about all the other music formats out there?? And LET THEM PLAY MUSIC not have to do 20% bloody news. Can we not have any music stations in Ireland ever, please???

Radio Presenter Posted - 9 July 2001 18:49 Hopefully some day we'll have the same situation as the UK where a stations news percentage is largely dictated by the format. It's possible to reduce the news quota with The Radio Authority if you can justify how damaging the present levels of speech are harming the audience!

DeargDoom Posted - 9 July 2001 20:41 Heres what RadioFriend had to say: Community Radio is fantastic and should always be part of Broadcasting in this country,I have said this before and I don't know does anyone agree but Radio down the country and if fact in all parts of the country should be informative. What do you mean informative? What sort of information? Why is community radio so great? Are we back to this word "Cool"again....is 95,96,and 98Fm etc cool because they put their Jocks through "OPTIMODS"and have people Americans doing their sweepers and Voice-overs? Its nice to have an Optimod yes - and I know of at least two community stations who use them on the air. American sweepers? If the stations could find an Irish v/o who wouldn't pimp themselves around every agency around, that Irish v/o would make a ****lot of money. Radio stations use the American/Scottish/English voices to stand out. The same way you'll hear all sorts of bizarre audio effects on the sweepers (telephonic noise etc etc). .....Has everyone forgot who and where we are ..Whats wrong with being Irish, Whats wrong with talking about dances and Bingo in a local hall on the Radio .....? Nothing if your audience relates to it. Does an audience in Dublin relate to that the way an audience in Ballyhaunis does though? Probably not. So, you've got to make it relevant to an urban audience in that case. If people want that isn't that the way to go?...trust me I know why people listen to Community Radio and long live Community Radio I say.. We don't know who listens to community radio, 'cos community radio won't fork out to become an MRBI/JNLR station. Therefore Anna Livia can claim to have as many listeners as they damned well like without having any figures to back that up. In Dublin, the only community stations that have any sort of audience are NEAR-FM and to a lesser extent TCR. And NEAR-FM doesn't sound like MWR. And while I’m on the subject..If you tune into WPLJ NY you wont hear a Kerry, Waterford or Tipperary man doing the Jingles ...so please tell me why we hear a guy from NY doing that for stations here Just told you. .....Its all ****e and to be honest the IRTC have a lot to answer for letting it go this way.. Its not gone far enough - why does Dublin have more community radio than local radio? Every bloody station in the country is the smae now ,if its not Hits and Memories its Classic Hits if its not that its something the same up the dial again.... so thats 96, 103, 95, 104, and 98 out of how many stations? And why aren't all these disillusioned listeners checking out the great programming from top community radio stations? 'cos the community stations are even worse! And, I've worked for pirate, community and commercial radio over the past 15 years - so this opinion is grounded on a certain amount of knowledge.

luther arkwright Posted - 9 July 2001 23:59 Some points 1. Community Radio suffers from the same degrees of quality as commercial radio, it's just that the crap sounds polished on commercial radio. 2. Community Radio is great for a number of reasons, one reason (shared with non-licenced stations) is the fact that it allows people radio experience generally unavailable in commercial radio and specifically talk radio experience which is available no where else (that I know of). 3. It also features the type of programming that people in local communities will find no where else (because it's of no interest outside of there). Of course you're going to think community radio is boring if you don't live in Coolock, Blanchardstown, Kilkee etc, when they're talking about the bloody traffic light problem that's been going on for weeks, or the anti-social behaviour at the corner shop. it's not interesting to you, but to the people living there it can be very important. 4. It's also an amazing confidence booster for people who've been abused and ignored by governments, employers and you and me for years. At least they have a say in what's happening in their lives and their communities 5. In community radio usership and access(who uses the station etc) are as important as listeners and more important in some stations than others. JNLR is the wrong way to assess listners, apart from the cost, community stations have no real interest in being compared to commercial and public sector radio. 6. ANNA LIVIA is NOT A COMMUNITY RADIO STATION!!! It has a special interest licence, so please no comparisons..lots of interesting progs, but not community radio 7. Sharing frequencies would be a good idea, but's it's not going to happen Luther

The Ghost Of FMC Posted - 10 July 2001 8:28 Community radio is not my "cup of tea" as I don't see a need for it (a bit like community newspapers). I don't see a sudden demand for stations. I don't see a sudden demand by the general public to staff such stations. But if we must have such a service, then I think that a community radio station should be set up on ONE frequency to cover a large geographical area that would run programmes made by all the local groups in the area rather than hogging half the FM band to broadcast 10 hours a week to small sections of the public! Also, these stations should be on medium wave, FM should be for music radio. For instance in Dublin, just have one station on say 1278 that would run programmes from all the local community groups in the Leinster area and free up all the FM frequencies currently occupied by these part time broadcasters. I imagine that the combined output of Dublin Community Radio would be hard pressed to fill up a 24/7 schedule, but this could be bolstered by programmes from Anna Livia and Raidio na Life (is it still on??). Also let the station sell a few adverts. It's never going to have a big listenership that would get agencies interested and therefore threaten 98/104's coffers, but it could get the small business sector (which was the mainstay of most 80s pirates) back into radio again. Have proper "paid for" staff and keep the production values high and maybe community radio will become a viable part of the Irish airwaves in the future.

RadioFriend Posted - 10 July 2001 16:11 First things first,I want to say that I respect Deargdooms post on this matter but I don't agree with the most of it. Deargdoom said:What do you mean informative? What sort of information? Why is community radio so great? Answer: Informative is first knowing your audience and bringing them programming of interest to them, not shoveing what we think is good Radio in their mouths.If the bulk of your listeners are in their late 50s the chances are that they dont care about David Beckhams interest in wearing Vickys Tong around the house. Deargdoom: American sweepers? If the stations could find an Irish v/o who wouldn't pimp themselves around every agency around, that Irish v/o would make a ****lot of money Answer: I have no idea who you are getting at here,I still stand by the idea of using all Irish Talent when it comes to buying an imaging package.There are plenty of great Irish V/Os ie.Vincent Burke, Peter Caffrey, Nick Conway, Frank Kelly, Conor Lambert, Bosco Hogan......etc. Deargdoom:(RF)Whats wrong with being Irish,Whats wrong with talking about dances and Bingo in a local hall on the Radio .....?(DD)Nothing if your audience relates to it. Does an audience in Dublin relate to that the way an audience in Ballyhaunis does though? Probably not. So, you've got to make it relevant to an urban audience in that case. Answer:My feelings are that people are people no matter where you go,is there no bingo in Dublin ?...Why do you think that it is only a Ballyhaunis pastime ...Its seems to me that Dublin people are forced to listen to "Fast moving wall to wall CHR"..As I said before its up to the IRTC to supply alternitive radio for people(Are they doing this)...I don't think so. I am still amazed that we have no Radio Station in this country that plays Irish Produced Music 24Hrs a day. Imagine coming to IRELAND on holidays and you tune into Bach,Pergolesi,Torelli and Vivaldi on LYRIC while I love the Station its amazing I cant go up the dial to find Tommy Fleming, Mary Black, Sean Keane or Paul Brady??? WHY..This is Ireland ..This is our music? Deargdoom:And, I've worked for pirate, community and commercial radio over the past 15 years - so this opinion is grounded on a certain amount of knowledge. Answer: I respect that very much, Im 28 and work for the past 10 years in Commercial Radio in Ireland. Regards, (RF) "Happy the man that can laugh at himself for he shall always be amused"

DeargDoom Posted - 10 July 2001 22:16 Hi there Radio Friend - its an interesting debate for sure! Lets continue the quotes system - it seems the easiest way to communicate on the board! RF SAID : Informative is first knowing your audience and bringing them programmeing of interest to them,not shoveing what we think is good Radio in their mouths.If the bulk of your listeners are in their late 50s the chances are that they dont care about David Beckhams interest in wearing Vickys Tongs around the house. I'd totally agree. You've got to be relevant to your audience. On the topic of Irish v/os, Radio Friend says :There are plenty of great Irish V/Os ie.Vincent Burke,Peter Caffrey,Nick Conway,Frank Kelly,Conor Lambert,Bosco Hogan......ect. Yes, but the problem is that these v/o guys are heard all over the place. "Mega Pop Big Hits FM" in Dublin doesn't want to hear their v/o guy pop up on ads for Dulux or Tampax etc. Using a foreign voice is one way around that. Radio Friend again: My feelings are that people are people no matter where you go, is there no bingo in Dublin ? Indeed there is, the national stadium on the S.C.R holds a massive session every Tuesday, and as for the George on a Sunday...(!) ...Why do you think that it is only a Ballyhaunis pastime .. Nah, I know its not. There is a huge difference between rural and urban audience though. For a start, the rural population tends to be a lot older (the young often work/go to college in a city). That means that a greater part of the population will be interested in, for example bingo. Is there really all that much of a difference between rural radios on-air bingo, and Dublin's cashcalls? Its ultimately the same idea (except the rural stations seem to make a hell of a lot of cash from the bingo!) Radio Frien:Its seems to me that Dublin people are forced to listen to "Fast moving wall to wall CHR". I wiah. There isn't a single CHR station in Dublin. 98FM can hardly be described as such. FM104 - although younger is not CHR either (I recently read an interview with Dave Kelly where he refused to describe his station as such). Lite FM? Certainly not fast moving. Radio Friend: I am still amazed that we have no Radio Station in this country that plays Irish Produced Music 24Hrs a day. This was a topic raised by the J.I.M campaign about 8 years ago (Jobs in music). Problem is, what sort of Irish music do you play? Non stop Boyzone? Irish rock? Trad? Country and Irish? And for that matter you could suggest that the English don't have an all English artists station either! Radio Friend: Imagine coming to IRELAND on holidays and you tune into Bach,Pergolesi,Torelli and Vivaldi on LYRIC while I love the Station its amazing I cant go up the dial to find Tommy Fleming,Mary Black,Sean Keane or Paul Brady??? RTE Radio 1 play a lot of that...and there is a 25% Irish music quota enforced on commercial radio. Radio Friend:This is Ireland ..This is our music? No its not. If you go to Clondalkin and ask a 15 year old what musical and cultural icons they relate to, I doubt they'll say Tommy Fleming. I personally quite like that quality singer/songwriter stuff, but its incredible arrogance to place it on some sort of cultural pedestal. Should they relate to it? Possibly, but they don't. Can't force them to. We've all seen the successful way the government tried to keep other aspects of Irish culture alive in the past (millions of Irish school children put off the native language by that Peig Sayers bitch!). Ultimately, I agree with you on a lot of things. You've got to relate to your audience. Too true. I don't think you could move 98FM to Tipperary and expect it to do well. The opposite is also true - Tipp Mid West would die in Dublin. We're talking different areas, markets, demographics and cultures. Anyone else care to come in on this one? (We've kept it fairly intelligent so far!)

RadioFriend Posted - 11 July 2001 13:15 All points taken and well put by yourself...i cant comment on the last point as I have never heard Tipp mid west and the last time I heard 98 was over 12 months ago.. Regards RF

Ann Posted - 17 July 2001 21:33 I don't have a clue where I made my last message but I want to retract what I said.My name is Ann amd I work with Adele("The Sat. Club" on I.C.R.fm.I help her with the radio stuff etc.I do not have an e-mail of my own so I use hers.I put a message up saying that Adele should go to a bigger station and leave I.C.R.fm.I know she wouldn't but I just think she deserves to go to a bigger station.Please don't e-mail us and tell me it was wrong I know it was.She works sooooooooo hard for that station and I used her address to try to get a bigger station interested in her.She really does work for that station and please don't e-mail her and blame her, blame me, I work with her and I want her to go to a bigger station.Feel free to criticise me. Ann

Freaky Styley Chick Posted - 18 July 2001 0:19 I'm just writing to say that Adele rocks @ ICR & I wish her all the best.She's good enough 2 move to a bigger station I don't care what anyone says,so don't give me no guff k?!Only one thing Adele, Why don't u play more Red Hot Chili Peppers stuff??? The Sat Club's rockin' peacock ur friend, Freaky Styley Smyth

luther arkwright Posted - 18 July 2001 0:40 never heard ann on icrfm, no idea whether she's good or bad, but presuming you went to the trouble of emailing this board, either your related, infatuated or genuinely impressed by her broadcasting. what does annoy me is occasional responses that suggest X goes to a "bigger" station or a "proper" station or a "real" radio station. and if ann is only in icrfm to get radio experience and move on then fair play to her, but what bugs me about these kind of emails is that they denigrate both community radio stations and the people who work in them. many people are happy to, and are only interested in working in community radio. I'm one of those people, who, despite all the valid and invalid postings about community radio, have no interest in working for a big or a bigger radio station As EF shcumacher said.."small is beautiful", it's not better or morally superior but I think it's about time that it was assessed in it's own terms rather than by comparison. Sometimes comparisons on this board between community commercial and non-licensed stations miss the point all together. it's like complaining about rte broadcasting extensively about foot and mouth and that being uninteresting radio..it's a poor comparison and an unfair one, because that's part of the service they're paid to do if one chooses to rank community radio in the scheme of things, then at least do it on its own terms. This board is obviously full of radioanoraks who work in areas of radio other than community and who have either little knowledge of what community radio is about or assume what they are doing is superior or indeed just couldn't be bothered finding out why it's different. while there are clearly people who know what the point of community radio is and can criticize it on that basis, there are still people who talk about "bigger", "proper" better stations. If you want to work somewhere bigger, then send you cv there. regards luther

Forums | Legal Radio | Automated Radio Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

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80s man Posted - 19 July 2001 14:5

  Here is an interesting article on automated radio in the U.K. http://members.fortunecity.com/wirewaffle/automated_radio.htm Any thoughts? Is it true about Atlantic not automated at all?

EndOfTransmission Posted - 19 July 2001 16:13

oh for fork sake my eyes are bust tryna read that article!

Braveheart Posted - 19 July 2001 18:30

Automation is a great thing,but only when used cleverly(so it doesn't appear to be prerecorded) The technology is evolving all of the time. Remember when CD's came out 1st? Well,it's kinda like that only better!! Automation, I've heard it sound hot on more than 1 occasion. Local stations still on Videotape for overnights or using carts for adbreaks take note. U get better quality all the time by automating and provided u get a good "babysitter" who can keep it tight,you've got a tight sound 24/7/365. It's amazing to hear a show you've put the effort into go out on air. I guess that's how Rick Dees feels all the time!!! The trick is to NOT SOUND like ur not live!! (I have heard it sound blatantly prerecorded before)

MAGICIAN Posted - 19 July 2001 23:10

Listen to Magic105 for clever automation including interactive with the internet, i.e. pick a song and it automatically is played. DJ's are semi live as well. www.magic105.net

Forums | Legal Radio | John Clarke on 2FM Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

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80s man Posted - 25 June 2001 11:1

  Did ye hear John Clarke using his old Nova jingles yesterday when he filled in for Simon Young On Irelands biggest Jukebox..........excellent!!

Polarbare Posted - 25 June 2001 13:14 Yeah, as you said it was excellent, I was driving and tuned in by chance and heard a Nova jingle - nearly crashed the car. Immediately wafted back to da gud ole daze. More please.

80s man Posted - 25 June 2001 15:6 I suppose he can play anything he wants on his own shows........him being the boss etc....

Irish Mike Posted - 25 June 2001 19:16 Great for serious anoraks but what would a 21 year old listener in West Cork who's never heard of Nova, let alone listened to it, think?? If he wasn't the boss he'd probably be fired for that and with reason.

Radio Presenter Posted - 25 June 2001 20:59 I think having a jukebox show with old Nova jingles on a station that's supposed to have repositioned for forward thinking Irish youth culture is a true representation of the backward mentality of 2FM. And the fact that the culprit concerned for yesterday's show is the boss just tops it all!

DeargDoom Posted - 25 June 2001 22:2

I'd fully agree. 2FM was set up to be a radio station aimed at under 25's. I fail to see how they are doing that during their peaktime schedule. At times it seems as if ***** Collins on RTE Radio 1 is playing more current music than 2FM. I'd also question their new policy of replaying their daytime output overnight. A nasty cynical idea that I can only presume came from an accountant and not from John Clarke.

80s man Posted - 26 June 2001 11:13 Just a few points - I am from west of the shannon and in my early 20s and have heard of Nova. 2FM will continue to play old music- they have to(Public service broadcaster) How many listeners would they loose if they had a strict policy of rhythm and dance all day? Its alright to adopt this policy in U.K- not here.

angry_anderson Posted - 26 June 2001 11:22

i really cant believe what 80s man has just posted. if you are really from where you claim you are and have heard of nova then you are in an extreme minority. you’re an anorak after all! how many members of the public your age around the country have? count them on the fingers of one hand. as for them having to play oldies because they are a public service broadcaster what do oldies have to do with that? they are supposedly a youth music station. public service in that area has to do with playing a diversity of music from different genres within their remit! leave the oldies to radio 1.

Mogwai Posted - 26 June 2001 12:40 Perhaps John can get into the modern age. Next time, instead of playing old pirate radio jingles he can play some modern pirate radio jingles...

Irish Mike Posted - 26 June 2001 12:51 I have to agree with Angry Anderson, 80's man is exactly the sort of person I was talking about in my last post - a serious anorak. Of course you've heard of Radio Nova 80's man, but did you ever listen to it? And how does it relate to everyday life west of the Shannon in 2001? As for 2fm playing oldies, if the public service broadcaster wants to play music for the 35+ market they should have the sense to do so on Radio 1, or launch a new channel similar to BBC Radio 2, which I suspect may happen, depending on the success of Lite FM in Dublin. Let's face it everything that RTE does is in reaction to happenings in Dublin. Perhaps someone should get them a map and explain what all that land around Dublin is! P.S. I am from Dublin.

Sperminator Posted - 26 June 2001 12:54 Bloody typical of 2fm and John (head up my ass)Clarke , playing Nova jingles. Ok , he worked there in Nova , but It was RTE that JAMMED them from their library in Rathmines we all must remember , then you have Clarke on air filling in for Simon Young playing NOVA JINGLES , and as someone said , if it was anyone else , they'd probably get the boot. 2fm , a waste of space with geriatrics on air and middle aged has beens trying to sound hip , cool, and with it , playing their usual brand of ****e mixed with the eccletic muck from obscure bands at night and then crap over night output. back in 1988/1989 they had such an opportunity to make something special of the station , with a load of talent going a begging on the dole after the close downs of the pirates. And who did they hire , the likes of Garreth O' Callaghan and Tony Fenton , A real opportunity lost. Anyone agree! And changing 2fm now would be risky for John Clarke and his cronies , nice cushy numbers paid for by the licence payer , so why risk it or change it , contineous ok ratings , so the why fix it mentality sets in, lets keep it all soooooooooooo cushy , and not employ anyone with real talents etc .......have clones on air , doing the same boring ****e day in , day out! Gloden f---ing oldies ehhhhhhhhhhh........What good is it ........discuss!

Braveheart Posted - 19 July 2001 18:35 2FM/BBC Radio 1 - world's apart. I tuned in this morning b4 6am to hear them play KC& The Sunshine Band - Give it up. Do "give it up" lads. I flick over to Radio 1 and they're playing Raven Maize - The Real Life. I rest my case.

Radio Mad Posted - 20 July 2001 1:37 Yeah, Give It Up from KC & The Sunshine Band - good song. Now, what was the crap BBC Radio 1 were playing?

Sperminator Posted - 20 July 2001 18:36 radiomad , you really r mad with a name and a comment like that , next time , a more constructive comment would better us all on this DISCUSSION forum.

Forums | Legal Radio | Ballyfermott College Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

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Sexual Chocolate Posted - 16 July 2001 9:52

I'm looking for any comments on what is regarded as the best training for anyone looking to enter the radio industry........ or is it??? Put simply; is it worth it? Are there any other options out there? (Dun Laoghrie?) 2 years seems like alot of time for what could easily condensed into an intense 1 year course I think. What do current students think of the diploma? At the end of the day Ballyfermot isn't the best of set ups is it? Who has applied for September? Any thoughts welcome. I'm particularly interested in hearing from anyone else who thinks that 2 years is 2 much. Thanks.

superman Posted - 16 July 2001 15:6

yes i think ballyfermot is good if you ask anybody in the radio industry they will tell you that ballyfremot is in the top 5 in the country they have a g8 reputation, goin on what i heard from pass students and people within the media industry ballyfermot takes first place closely followed by dun loargh ballyfermot will only take the best and thats why i think soo many people get pissed off with ballyfermot and why have one difficult year when you can have 2 good years and i think they have 2 years because there is a add on degree year i have heard bad things about ballyfermot but i think it is a personal opinion and u should make the best with what you have got if you are luncky enough to get ballyfermot you should make the best with it and dont 4get when applying 4 a job in radio they will look 4 a good portflio and exp not just a diploma in radio

Andrew Posted - 16 July 2001 15:36 One of the people in our class last year applied for Ballyfermot, whom had completed the two year course in Dun Laoighre.

superman Posted - 16 July 2001 15:55

im not saying that ballyfermot is the best i honestly don’t know but what i have heard of it being the best, it has a g8 reputation for not just radio but media in general and taking the advice of professional in the industry, ballyfermot seems to be number one and considering how difficult it is to get a place and how popular it is, i would personal consider it number one

Stuttering John Posted - 16 July 2001 19:10

Rick O'Shea, Steve K, Barry Dunne etc. all went to Ballyfermot...pure success stories. The tutors have a lot of contacts and at least one in each of the big stations like 2FM, 98, 104, Today- not to mention RTÉ also. I am on the way to second year and can tell you that the course could not be squeezed into a year!! There is not a huge amount of class time (16 hours a week) but the projects add up and a lot will be expected of you to get a distinction. I only know one person who went to Dun Laoighre(hope I did the spelling justice)and although he's now a full time jock on 2FM, he said he went there because Ballyfermot was too far away...make your own mind up but personally, most of the people that have made it will have gone to Ballyfermot. Don't forget also that we're just talking about the radio side here, think about all the TV people that went there too. As for the person that said you need a good portfolio to get a job in radio- BULL****! Bit of hard work, persistence and a little bit of either potential or talent and you'll get it. What can you put in a portfolio to get an on-air gig? A demo tape and.............? As for the set-up in the college, there's 5 prod studios and one on-air and new studios being built later this year. Don't expect to be sitting in a studio all day, expecting someone to tell you "right, if ye want Tony Fenton's gig, link like this...." cause it won't happen. And don't listen to fools that tell you "it's a crap college for people that got crap marks in their leaving". Yes, it is a college with courses like computers that do not require as many points as medicine in UCD but the radio course is pretty much second to none AND it's one of the few places you can do it- and well. If there was a course in Trinity or UCD, I'm sure it'd be the business but it ain't there! Hope that helps...better pass after that blag! Edited by - Stuttering John on 7/16/01 7:11:53 PM

andyclarke Posted - 18 July 2001 0:17 i applied to both bally and dun l.as far as im conserned from attending the open days bally had a better setup and a much better atmosphere, the day i went it was buzzing!i ran into tonyL and he taut it was good.thing is i did a portfolio for both colleges and an interview 2.bally didnt even look at my portfolio,took me for an interview and gave me 9th place on the waiting list where as dun l checked my portfolio, called me back for an interview and out of 600 points against the place they awarded me 550.now somethings a bit odd there if bally gave me 9th and dun l awarded me nearly top marks.what do other people like you think about that?

Braveheart Posted - 18 July 2001 2:31 Ballyfermot's a great place! The courses are validated by Thames Valley University. It's well known by people who matter (i.e. ur nxt boss!!) in the industry. oh yeah! and Denis ****** is your tutor. Rockin' the bay or wah?

UGLY KID JOE Posted - 18 July 2001 2:45 Worth noting that only the Media Management degree course is validated by Thames Valley. The radio courses are BTEC Higher National Diplomas. As the previous poster mentioned it is a great place - hope you have a blast if and when you go there.

peter pie Posted - 18 July 2001 9:29 As a student of Dunlaoghaire last year i would not recommend going there. I was offered both Ballyfermot and Dunlaoghaire on the same day and had a hell of a time choosing which one to go for. After weighing up the options I went to dl The course is all hyped up with a handbook of 40 pages. Students last year did not learn analogue nor digital editing!! Soundscape was bust and cool edit arrived 2 days before we broke up. Most of the students weren't interested in radio afterall and so were not interested in course.There were no proper facilities. Students union are taking action against the college as all the students in my class wrote a letter to head of college. if you know your stuff (like i did) don't know what to do with your life and want a dos for 2 years then dl is your place otherwise forget it! The class last year was practically run by a student , b , you know who u are and thanks.

eagleeye Posted - 18 July 2001 22:50 Highly recommend Ballyer. People often complain about it but generally they are the wasters who couldn't be bothered doing a bit of work and actually taking an interest in their career. They seem to expect to go into a legal station and be offered an on-air gig overnight. Unfortunately, that's not how it works - a bit of work goes a long way. Tutors with contacts in the industry will note that and recommend you. People who went to Dun Laoighaire and are working in the biz are few and far between in my opinion. On the other hand, I have met an incredible number of Ballyer past students who are doing well in the biz - in all the top stations - Lite, Today, 98, 104, NorthWest but to mention a few. Definitely go for Ballyer if you get the chance. It's well worth 2 years !!!

DeargDoom Posted - 18 July 2001 23:28 just avoid Chasers. Many promising radio careers have ended over there. And their ham and cheese toasties are dangerously bad.

tedpow Posted - 20 July 2001 23:18 Does anyone know what has become of Jim Hutton?

Forums | Legal Radio | Clarifying radio terms Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

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Pat Posted - 18 July 2001 1:10 Could someone please explain what the terms CHR, HOT AC etc mean? The Real Stuttering John once made an excellent post on the old board explaining what category he thought each station in Dublin fell into and backed up his thoughts nicely.

Braveheart Posted - 18 July 2001 2:19

Hot AC = Hot Adult Contemporary (Atlantic 252 in 1991-1997) CHR - Contemporary Hit Radio (104.6 RTL Berlin,Z100 NY,102.7 KIISFM in LA - Sunshine 101 and SuperQ102 were CHR's in Dublin until Ray Burke said goodbye) For more goto bdsradio.com or allaccess.com - it's all there in full color(yes! color)

Shining Light Posted - 18 July 2001 8:43

  Does anyone care to have a stab at the entire Dublin band???

The Real Stuttering John Posted - 18 July 2001 18:55

  I have not included every frequency in here as some stations have 2 or more frequencies, although I have included most of the stations. I have not included very small pirates or very small community radio or hospital stations: 88.1 Gem fm - alternative 80s 88.5 Radio 1 - News/talk (and culture i guess) 89.8 Jazz Fm - Jazz/urban 90.7 2fm - talk, hot ac, chr, alternative, dance, oldies, soft hits........etc 91.6 Phantom fm - active rock 92.0 Freedom fm - CHR I guess 92.4 WLR - country and western 92.6 premier fm - oldies 93.5 R na G - Irish language and culture 93.8 Energy fm - rhythmic/dance 94.7 Nova - dance/electronica 95.8 LMFM local/ all things to all men 96.2 east Coast radio- Local/ all things to all men but could be classified as M.O.R. 96.7 Lyric fm - classical 97.2 Power fm - alternative dance/electonica 97.6 CKR - Local/ all things to all men (last time I listened) 98.1 98fm - Hot AC 98.4 Cross rhythms - CHR Christian 99.1 Hot fm - dance 100.0 Radio Dublin - Country 100.3 Today FM - all things to all men, unformatted radio, (day - ac)(evenings - talk)(night - aaa)(not that there is anything wrong with their shows) 101.3 Sun fm - all 80s 102.2 Lite FM - soft rock/ classic hits 103.2 Anna Livia - Public access/ community 104.0 Kic fm - country/hot country 104.4 FM104 - CHR 105.8 Kiss FM - dance 106.1 Hits 106(DLR)- have not listened in ages (top 40/chr/hot ac I guess) 106.4 Radio na Life - Irish Language and Culture I guess 107.9 x FM - alternative

DeargDoom Posted - 19 July 2001 0:59 I mentioned this earlier - FM104 do not like being described as CHR. There is no real CHR station in Ireland.

Shining Light Posted - 19 July 2001 3:55

  Thanks for that John. How would 104 be best described then? And no smart comments!

The Real Stuttering John Posted - 19 July 2001 19:21 fm 104 are hardly hot ac now are they. The only other way to describe them is as top 40 (which is CHR unless they are adult top 40?) CHR is not just the style of it's announcing. Although sunshine and super q in the 80s were strictly more CHR I think fm104 by their music puts them into CHR, no? unless 98fm are only ac, then fm104 could be described as hot ac. However 98fm I think are too hot to be ac only as they play j-lo etc

DeargDoom Posted - 19 July 2001 19:23 Hey, I'm only going by what Dave Kelly (their music director and assistant PD) said to Xtrax magazine. And I agree with you - if both 98 and 104 are BOTH hot a/c - why do they sound so different?!

Radio Presenter Posted - 19 July 2001 19:58

2 AC stations can very easily sound different. It's all in the packaging and production etc. A question - I didn't see the article in Xtrax, but if Dave Kelly says they don't like being called a CHR station, did he say say what they DO like to be classified as? I have no probs calling them a CHR as that what they are!!!!!!!!! 98FM easily fall into Hot A/C. Now if that's what FM104 want to be known as too, then why have 2 stations in Dublin doing the same thing?!?!?!

DeargDoom Posted - 19 July 2001 20:40

Thats true - but both 98 and 104 tend to be described as HOT A/C. 104 seem to be a lot younger, but are probably afraid of describing themselves as CHR after their nightmares with Capital 104 all those years ago. 98's jocks seem a bit older and more laid back than the 104 guys. 104 also have a lot more specialist shows (r'n'b, dance). 104s talk shows are also a lot more upfront and confrontational. I can't remember what Dave Kelly did describe 104's format as, but he was interviewed a few issues back in Xtrax.

Irish Mike Posted - 19 July 2001 23:10

I would have thought that the 3 big stations in Dublin would be labeled thus: Lite FM - Soft AC 98FM - AC FM104 - Hot AC/CHR Hybrid* FM104 is more AC during the day with occasional classics like Billy Joel My Life, but come 7PM it is much more 15-24 oriented, hence the hybrid status.

Shining Light Posted - 20 July 2001 1:25

  I think you've hit the nail on the head perfectly there.

Radio Mad Posted - 20 July 2001 1:32

FM104, 98FM and Lite FM - They're all boring, say no more !!!!

Atlantis Posted - 20 July 2001 2:36

We were doing well until we got to the last message. Keep it going Dearg, Mike etc, this is interesting. P.s Irish Mike, back in your days @ 104 how many labels could you have put on the format back then?

Radio Presenter Posted - 20 July 2001 22:18 Irish Mike, I wouldn't classify FM104 as a CHR/Hot AC Hybrid. Playing the occasional Billy Joel track doesn't qualify it to have AC status when clearly a track like that sticks out like a sore thumb amongst all the other CHR stuff around it. Hybrid to me means unfocused. Perhaps then you really DID hit the nail on the head :-) Atlantis appears to know who you are! M.H. ? Edited by - Radio Presenter on 20/07/01 22:21:58

Irish Mike Posted - 20 July 2001 23:32

I think CHR is more a statement of attitude than simply a description of the music. The daytime style of FM104 is much more Hot AC than CHR. They are clearly aiming the station at 20 somethings at work, with a liberal scattering of "classics" to keep the 30+ people interested. As for the inference of a lack of direction, I had a conversation some time ago with a member of senior management at 104 who, when I congratulated them on being number1 in Dublin, said "We've no idea how we got there, so the trick now is not to touch anything and hope we stay there". Perhaps there's some truth in the lack of direction notion. That said, I think 104 has tremendous potential to be the biggest station in Dublin. Despite what people on here think, the people who really count, the listeners, still hold them in high regard. As for who I am, for "political" reasons I think it's best I don't reveal my identity. Suffice to say, I'm probably not who you think I am. I did spend some time at 104 and during that time the station went through a number of format changes. Some of them were well thought out, successful changes. Others were knee-jerk reactions which haunted the station for some time.

Author Topic luther arkwright Posted - 21 July 2001 0:20

Forums | Legal Radio | radioman...etc..whos using it? Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

80s man Posted - 1 July 2001 15:54 Are most Irish radio stations(esp. 2Fm, today, lite, 98, 104) using radioman or similar systems for all their output(music, ads, jingles, reports...etc)on all their shows. Sometimes I think not as djs still complain about cds that are scratched and won't play..etc..sometimes I would question it...even on daytime radio......... whats the story...??? How a jocks workload has changed in the last 2 or 3 years?? no searching for/cueing cds...etc

DeargDoom Posted - 28 July 2001 1:51 Nobody in Ireland uses Radioman except for RTE. The main reason for this is that its not a very good system! Not unlike the MO discs that RTE bought in by the truckload a few years ago, its only used by them. Many Irish local stations use Radiomation (irish company), the pirates use all sorts of hodge podge systems. The best playout systems currently in use in Ireland are with Lite FM (Can't remember its name), and both 98FM and Atlantic 252 use RCS Master Control, which is the dogs bollocks if you can persuade management that its worth a spend of about 80 grand.

Polarbare Posted - 30 July 2001 13:46 Unfortunately not everyone is as enamoured with Lite's system as you may think because when they record audio they have to transfer it to another programme because their playback package seemingly doesn't allow any editing. After editing they then transfer it back for playout. Time consuming.

Forums | Legal Radio | Best Legal station VO's in Dublin? Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

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Bob A Job Posted - 1 July 2001 23:50 since radio was allegedly legalised in 1988 , what is or was the best set of Vo's made for a Dublin legal station? please discuss.........and lets try to keep it on the Legal station Vo's! Suggestions anyone . I thought that the original Classic hits 98fm one's were quite well polished and suited the product that classic hits were making back then?

radiocreep Posted - 25 July 2001 23:51 ? hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Polarbare Posted - 30 July 2001 13:48 Today FM's with Jim O'Neill. Marty Millar, their head of production, is a genius.

Forums | Legal Radio | editing software used by Irish stations. Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

tedpow Posted - 1 July 2001 21:32 Could anyone answer the following questions 1: what software is used by RTE, BBC and local stations to edit audio material? E.g. news reports. 2: does any station still cut and splice?

JAMESDEANE Posted - 23 July 2001 12:5 CUT AND SPLICING IS GONE, LONG GONE FOR MOST STATIONS, THINK RTE ARE USING SOUNDSCAPE, BBC AND MOST OF THE LOCALS INCLUDING TODAY FM ARE USING COOL EDIT OR COOL EDIT PRO,THE COOLS COME BUILT IN WITH RADIOMATION WHICH MOST OF THE LOCALS ARE USING, ALSO SOMETHING LIKE 10 BBC STATIONS ARE USING RADIOMATION, IT IS A SYSTEM DEVELOPED IN ROSCOMMON AND IS FIRST CLASS!

RadioFriend Posted - 23 July 2001 17:5 Micheal Farrell is the brains behind Radiomation and the full Radiomation Package is fantastic...I love Cool Edit Pro but Im told that "ProTools" is a lot better.If you or your Station is ever dealing with Radio Mation ask Michael to give you ProTools instead,it really does'nt matter to him as the Recording Software playing no real part in the overall RadioMation Concept.The funny thing about RTE in my opinion is this "RTE would be delighted with RadioMation but RTE being RTE always feel that they have to be better or at least different to the Locals so they installed a different package"...Cant remember what it is ..."I know that LYRIC use software called RadioMan".....

The Ghost Of FMC Posted - 24 July 2001 8:49 The BBC use both Dalet and SADiE for audio production. For basic editing / playout, the ShortCut editor is used. Cool Edit Pro is rarely used as it cannot be networked.

Polarbare Posted - 24 July 2001 13:48 Erm, Cool Edit Pro can't be networked? Please explain.

RadioFriend Posted - 24 July 2001 14:51 Yes please explain...............once you buy "CoolEditPro" you can download it to any computer in the station and then Producers,Jocks and Production people can edit on any computer!! then your piece can be sent from any networked computer to the main "On Air" PC.........

The Ghost Of FMC Posted - 24 July 2001 21:6 Yes, but you can't run CEP from a networked mainframe. All BBC software is held on a central server and individual desktops are authorised to have access to it. CEP can be used on individual workstations only, so as you say, it has to be manually installed onto each PC, and cannot then be setup for individual logins.

mad fm Posted - 1 August 2001 0:51 pro tools good for v/o work,bands cool edit pro fast effective and user friendly for production of ads can do hot imaging with time and a few plug-ins sonic foundry dsp etc

Forums | Legal Radio | RedFM hired PC from Live 95FM Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

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Dermot Fenton Posted - 1 July 2001 23:41 So its true Matt Dempsey, programme cotroller with Live 95FM is on the way to Cork. He handed in his notice last week to Sean Ashmore. So I think we can honestly say RedFM will be a failure if he has anything to do with it !!!!! I heard he will be the music programmer for RedFM. So does anyone think Mr. Matt Dempsey from Live 95FM will do well in Cork ?? I'm sure with Matt working in RedFM, 96 FM have nothing to worry about. But lets give the guy credit for a minute, he must have done some BULL S**T**G to get the job. Well Done MATT.

DeargDoom Posted - 30 July 2001 23:59 I notice that "Dermot Fenton" has never posted to this site before. Somebody **** stirring no doubt. I hope they do well - and they should do. Commercial radio is in an awful state in Cork. Live 95 in Limerick, despite being in a smaller market is a far better station than 96 in Cork. 'Dermot'....check back in with us this time next year AFTER the station is on air and tell us what its like. Until then keep your half assed opinions to yourself. The world will thank you for it.

Dermot Fenton Posted - 31 July 2001 0:15 Emmmm What can I say - Live 95 FM copy everything that Cork's 96FM do. Examples Limericks Best Music mix, Their new jeeps ( same graphics and style as 96FM ) But get one think straight who has the better JNLR - I think you will find that it is 96FM. Check it out www.irtc.ie So whats your next response/comment ???

DeargDoom Posted - 31 July 2001 0:35 A response? Okay then. Would you accuse 98FM in Dublin of ripping off Corks 96? I don't think so. Many stations from Limerick to Coventry to Melbourne have that "Better Music Mix" format. Slightly different styles and flavours in each market, but intrinsically the same thing. Hate to tell you, Black Thunders or Lightnings or roadrunners or whatever the hell are not a unique idea. The music format on Live 95 is fairly different to that on Corks 96. Its more upbeat and far more Hot A/C than 96, who at times still seem to be clinging on to that jaded old "Hits and Memories" format that was ditched in Dublin five years ago! I repeat what I said; 96FM are in a vunerable position. So long as Red Hot don't give off a 'Dublin' vibe (Corkonians have a bee in their bonnet over Dublin!) I think they'll do pretty well. As for JNLRs? It must be great to own 96FM and 103 (both of the County opt-outs). Live 95 have the disadvantage of having competition in their marketplace. I know that I respect Live 95 a hell of a lot more than Corks 96. 96 are an appalling station. "Corks Perfect Music Mix" me backside.

RadioFriend Posted - 31 July 2001 11:32 I think that "RedHot" will do the job in Cork and I think 96 should change their format instead of going "Head to Head" with RedHot.......I think its a great chance for 96 to become a complete "AC" "HouseWife" type Station with more time giving to News and Sport.Let "RedHot" look after the 17-26 market ......If i was running 96 I would target the people who are spending money in Cork and I mean real money i.e Houses,Cars ect. And i have to say that I agree that Matt is not the man for the Job, anyone who ever worked with him will tell that....He is a very hard guy to get on with and I have no idea way he is still in Radio? Regards RF

Irish Mike Posted - 31 July 2001 13:21 RadioFriend, I have known Matt for some time and I've never had any problems getting on with him. Anyway, a programme controller (or any manager) is not there to be popular they're there to do a job.

RadioFriend Posted - 31 July 2001 15:55 You can be popular and still do a very good job.......The problem is power goes to peoples heads which is the case with our friend at 95....

Enrique Iglesias Posted - 31 July 2001 18:56 Excuse me 'Irish Mike' but just because you're in a management position DOES NOT mean you have to be a complete pr*ck! I certainly hope you're not in any similar position cause it'd clearly be another ignoramus doing a job they're completely unqualified for! If you did have any management tactics or experience you would be striving to get on with your staff and be authoritative simultaneously!! That's the whole trick with management, happier staff, happier company...

DeargDoom Posted - 31 July 2001 20:39 Enrique, I think you missed his point. I don't think Irish Mike was suggesting that the job of management is to give staff a hard time. He is right in saying that management are not there to make people happy. Their job is to get something done. Obviously, if they can keep their staff happy and content at the same time, all the better.

Irish Mike Posted - 31 July 2001 21:38 Thank you Dearg Doom for understanding what my point was. Enrique, since you don't know who I am, I find your remark to be an immature response to someone who disagrees with you. Anyone with an ounce of common sense knows that ultimately it is best to be popular with your staff, but that's not what the job is about and it's rarely possible. I have been in management for a number of years and there have been people who I didn't get on with personally. However I have enough professionalism to be able to see past personal differences and co-exist with those people. As you seem to think I know nothing about management, why don't you e-mail me micdaly@hotmail.com and tell me who you are and why you have formed your opinion of me. I will not divulge your identity to anyone, I simply want to know why you think you have the right to insult my professional integrity.

Sperminator Posted - 31 July 2001 22:37 I happen to think its good and bad news that Matt (I have my own opinions on this bloke but I'll keep them to myself , …..!), Is Moving to Cork ! The Good reasons : Sean Ashmore can get on with making 95 a better station than it is …., …..Matt , A good manager know this term and what it means :It's nice to be important , but it's more important to be nice!

UGLY KID JOE Posted - 31 July 2001 23:25 Sean can continue dragging 95FM down to the level of East Coast Radio you mean.

dangerous Posted - 31 July 2001 23:26 I met Matt whilst I was in Limerick visiting my ex boss Paul Kavanagh. After listening to the likes of Radio Kerry and LMFM I thought that Live 95 sounded fantastic. He is also a really Good Guy. Good Luck Matt in your new position.

Barney Mc Grew (Fireman) Posted - 1 August 2001 2:47 I alwayz got on well with Matt (Flanagan) Dempsey - NOT!!!!!!!

mike r o fone Posted - 1 August 2001 9:37 hey radio friend, howe can u say that 96 are gonna go head to head with red fm when they have chloe jackson playing 60s songs late at nite. last nite she played a 60s dusty springfield song followed by some other really old tune from the 60s/70s. red fm will not be playing that kind of music and as regards matt.....dont you know that like him always do well in radio Edited by - mike r o fone on 8/1/01 9:39:29 AM

Forums | Legal Radio | Logging Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

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RadioFriend Posted - 1 July 2001 15:1 Why in this day and age are we all still using Video tape to log programmes for the IRTC etc?..........I put it to a few people at the IRTC last year that its time all stations agreed on a new digital solution but its never been addressed?.....I even suggested a few new options that are available but nobody ever took me up on it?

JAMESDEANE Posted - 31 July 2001 14:38 radiomation, have a new system out, sentinel are too expensive and often lets u down,m.farrell dod a demo of his programme here and it is very impressive indeed!

RadioFriend Posted - 31 July 2001 16:0 I must talk to Michael about that new system..In fact Michael and I spoke about this problem manys times...Michael is a Top guy and Im sure that its great if its his BrainChild!!!! Hey Deargdoom "Any thoughts on this post,I dont know who you are but reading you posts in the past i now respect you opinions very much... Regards RF

DeargDoom Posted - 31 July 2001 20:48 Don't take the piss - any comments I have to make are usually completely wrong. Video logging may be a cheap way of doing it, but its handy. Three VCRS, 8 hour tapes and you're away! The other thing is that practically everybody has access to sort of system. Its also easy to find what you're looking for on the tapes - and for jocks, it means that you can make up a demo tape without having to ask production/management for access to the loggers. Were stations to start using more advanced methods, the IRTC would have a nightmare in having to buy in new systems etc etc.

My Secret Phone Posted - 1 August 2001 3:22 Well when it comes to logging,Digital is the cleanest method of all. In the US some of the stations use hard disk and other methods. I refuse to say that the IRTC could not afford new gear!!*********************

My Secret Phone Posted - 1 August 2001 3:22 The Irtc are like the suicide bombers.. - dedicated to the end to opress Good CHR from flourishing in Ireland. Even if it kills them. Edited by - My Secret Phone on 8/1/01 3:27:13 AM

RadioFriend Posted - 1 August 2001 11:43 I was not taking the piss deargdoom...But i do think that video tape logging has to go . 3 reasons.. a)Storage of Video tapes takes up way to much space in order to keep the IRTC happy and keep all recordings for a 3 month period you require between 100-110 tapes. b)If you use those tapes over and over again the quality gets very poor..(I dont know of anyone who would use a recording from Video for an Aircheck when you can tape your show on Minidisc in the Studio then pop it on CoolEdit,cut it to a neat 5min and run some bright reverb through it? c)Things are way to hard to locate on Video tape ...It would be fantastic if there was a system like DVD where each show was in sections and with a click of a button your on track "4" Drivetime ect.It would make life very easy for Station PC's. As for all the crap above about the IRTC...This post is about logging(Please stop talking through your ass) Regards RF (Happy the man that can laugh at himself for he shall always be amused)

RadioFriend Posted - 1 August 2001 11:46 Last comment for "My Secret Phone"Chap...If you have a problem with the IRTC contact Michael O Keaffe

My Secret Phone Posted - 1 August 2001 12:28 Ok,well where's our KISS100 type service "SPIN" then? As for logging.. I described the Hardisk systems in my previous post which essentially do EVERYTHING u require.

Forums | Legal Radio | Mark Mc Cabe, whats the story? Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

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Spank the Monkey Posted - 1 July 2001 13:41 did anyone hear him on 2fm last night , he sounded like he having a bad time of it....very sloppy. and as for his latest release , no .25 now in the charts , crap. and did anyone see the video on the telly , oh , my god , its equally as terrible and cheesy as the song , love is in the air. love hearts dancing around on the screen , lol! what is the man thinking?

Spank the Monkey Posted - 28 July 2001 13:42 ?///

buddy kisser Posted - 28 July 2001 14:37 Colm Hayes once had a bad show, so did Greg as well!! Did you hear that one day Tony Fenton wasnt as tight as he normally is!?!? I also heard that Gareth O'Callaghan once did a show when he had a cold and could hardly talk!!!! Show horror!!! But who gives a f_uck?? No-one??? So who should care if Mark McCabe has a bad show, it happens to all of us at somestage, not exactly an exciting topic!!! Oh thats right, its people that dont know Mark and cos hes semi-famous you want to have a go at him!!

The Ghost Of FMC Posted - 28 July 2001 17:31 Who's Mark McCabe??

Irish Mike Posted - 28 July 2001 21:52 Spank the Monkey, I take it you have never made a mistake or had an off day! As Buddy Kisser pointed out, everyone makes mistakes. Exept you it seems, in which case you should be careful, the last time there was someone like you around they nailed him to a cross!!!! I'm not keen on Mark's new single either but I'm not going to slag him off because of it. So it's only got to number 25, and your new single would be...????

Spank the Monkey Posted - 31 July 2001 22:21

lol.......would be better than that one ....what **** it really is though.....universal records are as stupid as Mark it seems if they thought it would do well. And as for him sounding sh:t on 2fm , you and i should be concerned because at the end of the day , in one way or another , we all pay his wages and I for 1 , d'ont agree that he should be working for our national broadcaster as he's crap!

Sherman Posted - 1 August 2001 11:28

  For Godsake,...You guys have WAY too much spare time on your hands. Will there ever be a day when somebody doesnt bitch about Mc Cabe??? No smart arse answers please. Give the guy a break. Edited by - Sherman on 8/1/01 11:29:54 AM

TonyL Posted - 1 August 2001 11:28 My sentiments exactly!!!

Must be the money Posted - 1 August 2001 13:55

Spank the monkey, Dont you mean that your daddy pays the licence fee!??!?!??!

Forums | Legal Radio | PIRATE RADIO? Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

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countryboy Posted - 20 July 2001 7:46

SHOULD THEIR BE A MAJOR CLAMPDOWN ON PIRATES IN DUBLIN, ARE THEY JUST CLOGGING UP THE AIRWAVES?

Sperminator Posted - 20 July 2001 18:38

my thoughts are "yes" to all of your above questions!

Mike O Brien Posted - 20 July 2001 20:58

God bless the pirates!!!! Mike O Brien

The Real Stuttering John Posted - 21 July 2001 12:5

  no, leave them alone. 50-60% of my time is spent listening to them and they fill a big big gap in the market music wise

JAMESDEANE Posted - 23 July 2001 11:20

  YES, YES, YES,GET THEM OFF AND ISSUE AROUND FIVE LICENCES TO THE BETTER QUALITY STATIONS AND LET THEM RUN ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS, SORT OF AN IMPORVED NEAR FM

robbbie Posted - 26 July 2001 21:39

Ireland has less radio stations then most European countries (or at least i heard that somewhere)! Pirate Radio costs the average punter nothing and it allows a wider range of choice for the public! Sure 5 licences would be handy but we all know that wont happen. If Spin Fm come on air with the intention of eliminating competition would it not stand to reason that the youth market would resent them and they would possibly be boycotted in protest? just a thought! For those who dislike pirate radio just dont tune in and stop winging.

Mike Posted - 26 July 2001 22:16

Unfortunately a boycott wouldn't work. There were attempts to organise a boycott of BBC Radio One in 1967 but with practically nothing else (bar Caroline with limited coverage and radio Luxembourg’s weak nightime only signal) it didn't last long

Irish Mike Posted - 27 July 2001 2:28

Robbie, how can you say that the "youth" would resent them? You (or anyone for that matter) have no idea what they will sound like. I would love to see some research that includes the Dublin Pirates because I have a sneaking suspicion that there aren't half as many people listening to them as some of the anoraks on here would have us believe. The idea of licensing 5 stations is an interesting one but there would have to be a level playing field. Either the new stations would have to have 20% news and current affairs, or the requirement should be dropped for ALL stations. I suspect that if the rules were the same for everyone very few of the current pirates would survive against the big players like 104, 98 and (if it ever gets on air) SpinFM. Quite simply, the pirates don't have the skills and knowledge to compete effectively in the marketplace. Before those in pirate stations start giving me grief about how, as pirates, they don't have the same budget, remember that that won't matter to listener. If you're going to get them to listen, your product will have to be better than everyone elses. Quite frankly, I think a deregulated market would see about 95% of the current unlicensed stations closing within 12 months.

The Real Stuttering John Posted - 27 July 2001 8:58

  Irish Mike, I think you are wrong and even if you are right about the "licensed pirates" closing down after a few months, i think at least then everybody (pirates, legals, listeners, advertisers, irtc, odtr etc etc can at least say "well we gave it a go, and well it didn't work". I think 5 small specialist stations can survive. A staff of perhaps 5-10 full time paid people could run these stations along with volunteers. They won't need to make the same money as the big boys as they won't have the running costs or expectations from shareholders. 5 specialist stations such as urban/rnb/jazz/funk/hip-hop(jazz fm type), an active/modern/alternative rock (such as phantom fm), 80s/oldies (such as sun fm), an underground/specialist dance station nova/power(unlike spin fm) and a mainstream rock/classic rock station could survive with small local and specialist ads. Ad agencies could then also target niche markets reducing wastage etc. I have always used the example of the supermarkets. ie at the moment we have the big chains like dunnes/tesco such as 98 and 104. We also have the corner shops such as community radio. What about something in between like Centra/spar? A medium size op with perhaps less ad time 6-8 mins only per hour with low power transmitters (max 1k). If all but 1 or 2 close down within a year, so be it..........free market!

Irish Mike Posted - 27 July 2001 12:58

Real Stuttering John, I am all in favour of a free market system for radio. My point is that any station has to be commercially viable, who's going to pay for these stations to be set up in accordance with broadcasting regulations? No one is going to part with the sort of money required to start even a small commercial station (six figures) only to have it close a few months later. You talk about having these stations staffed, partly, by volunteers but, as I said earlier, listeners will make no excuses for poor quality presentation and if you're not paying people it's very hard to ensure that you have the best people for each job. That has been argued here eloquently on the subject of community radio, the idea is fine but it's poorly executed because, without paying, the programmers have little means to guarantee quality of programming. Your analogy of supermarkets and corner shops is interesting. Big supermarkets and small local shops do co-exist happily and ideally there should be no reason why specialist and mainstream radio stations shouldn't do the same. The reality is rather different though. When you go into your local corner shop or nearby Spar you don't expect the same choice or value as you get at Tesco. But when someone gets into their car at 8 AM, whether the station plays Jazz, Top 40 or country music that listener still expects the station to sound as professional as the other stations. They want to hear a competent entertaining presenter who can relate to them and give them the information they need to get to work or college as quickly as possible. If they get stuck in a major hold up on the M50 and the Jazz station didn't inform them of it, they won't think "oh well, it's Jazz FM they don't have as much money as 98FM so that's okay". They'll switch to a station where they know they'll get accurate relevant information. Maybe, just maybe, if they can be bothered or they remember, they'll switch on Jazz FM later to hear a couple of songs they like. Also remember, you're going to need an awful lot of local advertisers buying your cheap ads just to make enough to pay your bills. That means you'll have to carry a lot of ads and we all know what listeners think of that. I admire the passion of those who do radio purely because they love music but to survive and be successful it takes more than passion. You need commercial acumen and a realistic attitude to the BUSINESS of radio.

robbbie Posted - 28 July 2001 17:14

In relation to whether pirates can compete with legal stations the answer is YES! Pulse Fm proved that with its independent survey, rating it the third biggest station in Dublin against the big name stations. In my opinion Energy94 now captures that same audience (& market share) and if deregulation took place (which it eventually will - a long way down the road) Some pirates would expand greatly! Also dont forget that pirate radio is a training ground for legal presenters. Like everything else practise improves performance greatly. Radio broadcasting colleges interest people cause most of them have tried radio and liked it. Not all listeners care about minor mistakes by pirate presenters. Teens would rather hear their favourite song on a pirate then the news which does not concern them on the legals!

Irish Mike Posted - 28 July 2001 21:38

Robbie, if the survey was commissioned by Pulse then it was hardly independent. Figures can say almost anything you want them to say if you're paying for them and if Pulse was so big in Dublin why was there never a huge "others" figure in JNLR (everyone takes the "others" column to mean pirates)? I agree that young people want to hear their favourite songs without all the news but if Energy 94 were given a licence tomorrow it would have to have the same quota of news and current affairs as the other legal stations. Perhaps rather than harping on about it on a message board you should try lobbying TDs, Senators, councillors and members of the IRTC to try to get them to change the rules. You can't win unless you play the game. Edited by - Irish Mike on 28/07/01 21:40:13

Arnold Posted - 1 August 2001 13:48

I would assume that the FCC regulations in the States for 100watt LPFM would meet Irish technical regulations, could be wrong though. That means a stations equipment can be put together for low 5 digits cost. That's the sort of money that a few people can put together so set up cost is not an issue. There's no shortage of budding DJ's & other assorted egotists to staff it for little or nothing so that's not an issue. News will cost you and other running costs but if you pick a good niche then you'll get enough advertising and of course you'll be running events to bring in a few bob. The punters aren't professionals with huge expectations and will stay if they like the music unless you really annoy them. Most of the existing pirates tread this thin line and survive, that's the commercial reality.

aphextwin Posted - 1 August 2001 22:49

I agree with Irish Mike. He has put out his argument well. We all must face commercial reality. No one will undertake huge capital expenditure to set up a radio station if there is a risk it could go under in a few months time. The business plan needs to be tight. The advertising needs to be there in sufficient numbers and of sufficient value. Human Resources are any company's largest expenditure. Someone mentioned earlier having around ten full time staff. At what cost? Average industrial wage is around £17,000 PA. That's a wage bill of £170,000 PA without playing a single advert! Are these ten people going to be on air staff? What about the sales people, the Cleaning Lady, the Technician, the receptionist and backroom office staff? Watch, payroll costs are climbing! Then there are the news staff. Lets say two journo's. They are not going to meet news obligations. The only other way you can meet your 20% news and current affairs quota is by buying in INN. That costs! Then there is public liability insurance to cover any visitor to your studio, office. There is libel insurance. Performance rights fees, IRTC levy, PRSI and Pension contributions, Fitting out at least three studios to broadcast standard (must be wheelchair accessible!). Air conditioning (and a silent one at that!) Electricity costs (and running an air conditioning unit 24-7 aint cheap), rent and rates. There's also phone and stationery bills. Then there is advertising and marketing costs (can be as large or as small as you like, but these costs still exist) Now, lets try and secure some advertising from the plumber down the road! Still want to set up a niche station?

Mister807 Posted - 1 August 2001 23:30

Fascinating debate this on the merits and viability of niche broadcasting. I think anyone who believes that niche broadcasting on a relatively small capital budget is not viable is living in the same closed environment that the IRTC seemingly live in. Even some very basic research of other radio markets, with similar audience sizes, show that niche broadcasting, if properly managed can work very well. One of the many factors which have not been considered by one of the other posters is the brand loyalty that can be delivered by a niche broadcaster. To a large company, a small but loyal audience eg Active rather than passive listeners, is worth a great deal. And if that station is offering a competitive cost-per-thousand (lets say for example 30% of the mainstream stations), then of course it can be made to pay. And using our 30% figure, smaller advertisers can also be attracted to the station. Yes, it takes committed personnel. No, the DJs don't need mid-atlantic accents. Yes, specialist broadcasters can seek a derogation on the 20% news and current affairs commitment. Yes, it can be done with a relatively small staff. Yes, advertisers and marketers love the idea of niche marketing their products. And finally, yes, in the right hands it would work very well in Dublin. Instead, we get Spin and Newstalk, both of whom are yet to sign contracts with the IRTC almost two years after being awarded licences and the claim that "the radio jigsaw" in Dublin is now complete. In turn, the ODTR in the guise of Mr McAughey feel they can rush around closing down the pirates, many of whom only exist and prosper because they are filling these niches that the IRTC don't feel able to fill. Yea, way to look at the big picture there boys! And absolutely finally, great to have a good well reasoned debate on this board for a change!

Forums | Legal Radio | Red Hot Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

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Head Posted - 1 July 2001 12:44

Whats the ska with Red Hot. I hear that *** Dempsey from Lim 95 is off their and Dave Kelly from 104 also a clatter of the Limerick lads are following DempseyRadio

Presenter Posted - 30 July 2001 17:34

I find it hard that Dave Kelly will be leaving his base in Dublin. I heard he will consult from Hume House for Cork. As for Matt D-Heard it all before!!!!!!!!!

Irish Mike Posted - 31 July 2001 3:56

If you bothered to do some research before launching your little tirade of abuse you would know that Dave Kelly is a shareholder in RedHot. I very much doubt that Dave will move to Cork but I'm quite sure he'll be involved. Henry Owens and Dave Kelly have a wealth of experience and will do a lot of damage to 96FM. As for Matt, I fail to see what the problem is. He is a competent programmer who has learned a lot from some very good people, I'm sure he'll do a great job at RedHot. I detect the distinct aroma of sour grapes in the air. If Henry Owens has hired Matt then he obviously thinks he's up to the job. Please don't try to tell me that you know more about programming a successful radio station than someone who has been PD of 2 national stations in the UK and managing director of one of the most successful stations in the Chrysalis group.

Radio Presenter Posted - 31 July 2001 10:26

The very best of luck to Matt. I think he's a good Music Programmer and Presenter. As Irish Mike says, if Henry Owens has hired him..then..................

Head Posted - 31 July 2001 11:1

Jaysus lads open your eyes for once will you , Its jobs for the boys !!!

Irish Mike Posted - 31 July 2001 13:18

Head, I'm assuming that you don't know Henry very well. If you did you'd know that he's not going to risk his investment (financial and time) by hiring someone who's not up to the job, simply because he's "one of the boys".

Head Posted - 31 July 2001 16:6

Irish Mike , you may indeed be right and for your info I do know Henry Owens VERY well. Heres what I'm saying, it takes more than experience and talent to be a good radio programmer, It takes understanding or your talents capabilities, an ability to listen to others and an ability to know what the Listener wants, I argue if "The boys" fit that profile. Radio is a game of chance, the right moves at the right time based upon the right information, not what the "radioheads" think is "cool" and "where we need to be as a station" Its all a load of crap and the sooner Station heads wake up to that fact , the sooner Irish Radio gets itself out of the mundane river of slime its in !!!

Radio Nova Posted - 31 July 2001 23:24

'HEAD' a friend of mine has just emailed me to say that your email location looks like that of a certain EX PC from Tipp FM. Therefore MK we here in Cork would like to send you a legal letter. Edited by - Radio Nova on 7/31/01 11:26:11 PM

rob scott Posted - 1 August 2001 15:49 david baker is also linked with a move to cork but i understand hush hush talks are ongoing

Radio Presenter Posted - 1 August 2001 17:7

Have you no tact?!? I'm sure David's present employers would love reading what you've just posted!!

Hoochy Posted - 1 August 2001 20:39

Best of luck Matt ! Avert your olfactories from the stench of sour grapes on this post. If people were as vocal on air maybe they'de be as successful as you !

Explorer Posted - 2 August 2001 1:25

I think Matt deserves huge praise for not only making the move to a station that will be infinitely bigger than anything local in this country for a while at Red Hot, but also making his baby in Limerick (from what the numbers say) a huge success. Well done. Head, Dearg Doom, whatever you call yourself these days, please get a life. Or a good gig for that matter!

DeargDoom Posted - 2 August 2001 1:45

hey, ****wit, I think you'll find that I said precisely what you said except about two days ago. And perhaps the advice to get a 'good gig' is one that you'd do well to heed.

rob scott Posted - 2 August 2001 14:44

apologies to david baker re: story leek. i have the habit of opening my beek when i shouldn't. however now that its out perhaps henry owens might like to clarify his talks with mr baker.

rob scott Posted - 2 August 2001 14:47

maybe i will do it myself, has anyone got henry owens e-mail address.

buba Posted - 3 August 2001 15:16

96FM sounds like ****e and all the changes they have made are crap. The new pd must be deaf?????? I have heard paul kavanagh will be working with red hot?

rob scott Posted - 3 August 2001 18:6

Forums | Legal Radio | Matt Dempsey Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

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Spank the Monkey Posted - 31 July 2001 23:9 so , when will limerick see the last of him (when does he leave officially that is?) , and what wastes of space is he taking to cork with him?

nelson Posted - 31 July 2001 21:47

hbjhb

DeargDoom Posted - 31 July 2001 23:27

God, there are some seriously Matt Dempsey obsessed people out there. He should feel flattered. Why not wait and hear what Red Hot sounds like before jumping to conclusions? In fairness, Live 95 is one of the best stations in the country.

RadioFriend Posted - 1 August 2001 0:1

Hey DeargDoom..Ive come to respect you a lot from your posts to this forum and you really do seem to know your stuff in terms of Irish Radio...but this time I agree with the guys above (only not quite as vocal)...Matt has made life hell for a lot of people ..he really is not a nice chap!!!!!!!!!

DeargDoom Posted - 1 August 2001 0:36

I've only met the guy once or twice and have never worked for him. I do think though that having four separate threads on Matt/Live 95/Red Hot FM etc etc on the go at the same time is a bit extreme. I would say in his defence that Live 95 is one of the best sounding stations in the country, and as PD he should take a lot of the credit for that. And I do think that its daft giving out about his appointment to Red Hot FM when they're not even on the air. Lets give it a year and a JNLR book before we start bitching!

Bob A Job Posted - 2 August 2001 22:40

well , it sounds better than ........well , 98fm overnights !

buba Posted - 3 August 2001 15:12

Matt is excellent. How come all the guys who work with PKav. get the good jobs.

Irish Mike Posted - 3 August 2001 17:5

It's probably because Paul is an excellent teacher and has a terrific understanding of the psycology of radio and how to translate that into effective programming. If Paul is to work with RedHot I think 96 will have a real problem. I know Henry already plans to use Keith Pringle as a consultant so the combination of Paul, Keith and Henry will make RedHot quite a force (just a shame they're not in Dublin!)

Hack Posted - 3 August 2001 17:26

Jaysus, PK, HO and KP at the one station! Red Hot is right!

DeargDoom Posted - 3 August 2001 20:7

I'd imagine Keith Pringle is fairly busy at the moment, with his new position within Capital. Has he taken over Richard Parks role or what?

Forums | Legal Radio | Lost another fine broadcaster Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

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RadioFriend Posted - 1 August 2001 17:17

I sadly confirm the passing of a Fine Broadcaster,Terence Sweeney...Terence worked for Tipp Fm until about 95' and has more recently been doing V/O work for the Station.Terence reminded me of the "Great Jack Doyle"from Cork (who found success in everything he did but lost it all on barstools on the narrow lonely streets in Cork)I remember Terence taking a train once to Dublin for an Interview with the "Big Station"but never getting past a pub across the road from the train station.Today is a sad day.....and yet again reminds us of the trappings of life... Terence Sweeney was 32 and died today from Liver failure... Rest In Peace my friend.... Rf

Andrew Looby Posted - 1 August 2001 17:53

Yes I heard the sad news at lunch time today,I worked with Terence at both Tipp Fm and Tipperary Mid West.He was one the best Djs I knew.My thoughts are with his Family at this time.I remember John O Connell giving Terence every chance in the world but poor Terence could never really get it together....If anyone finds out the funeral arrangements please let me know at www.andylooby@radiodjs.com Rest In Peace Terence

Fire Extinguisher Posted - 4 August 2001 0:29

Rest in Peace,Terence. A true gent who loved radio. I remember him telling me about "the old days" in CBC and his 2FM (almost)brush with fame. He was an inspiration to me personally in terms of the kind words of encouragement he always offered on the couple of times we met. God Bless Terence,may he rest in peace.

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squod Posted - 3 August 2001 1:56 does any one reaally know what sort of percentage listenership there is to commercial radio versus pirate ? there's been a lot of talk recently on this site . where would the buck actually stop if large numbers of people didn'nt prefer the top five commercial stations? are we to have bland formula radio inflicted on us forever - do we a right to choose .

With it Posted - 3 August 2001 3:5 Ok,I think the pre dec.'88 pirates had sizeable audiences comparable to IRTC stations of nowadays. PulseFM103 seems to be one of the bigger 90's Pirates that showed up in the ratings and perhaps made a mark??? Kiss103 another? Sunset107FM? For a "SUPERPIRATE" to have any impact today it would really have 2 b DAMN HOT. Nova gave Irish radio the first kick in the booty ratings and reach-wise. What it would take now is a NOVA for 2001.

countryboy Posted - 3 August 2001 10:28 IF ANYONE HAS £16,000 FOR JNLR IM SURE YOU COULD FIND OUT!

Irish Mike Posted - 3 August 2001 14:28 As the pirates here are so confident about their "massive" audiences perhaps all the illegal stations should get together and commission their own research. However, I think quite a few people will be disappointed by the results. An interesting yardstick is people who listen to radio for long periods ie. shops, businesses, van drivers, taxis etc. Walk around town and listen to what's on in shops, almost every shop is playing 98, 104 or 2FM. Get into a taxi and it's usually 98, Lite or Radio 1. I don't ever recall hearing Phantom or Energy being played in a public place. I'm sure someone will reply saying that such a shop plays a pirate or that the pirates are not aimed at "that sort of listener". Well the truth is that sort of listener is exactly who advertisers want to reach, so if that's not who you're after you have damn all chance of being commercially successful. Before the arguments start EVERY station needs to be commercially successful. Without revenue a station cannot market itself properly and if you haven't got the money to tell people you're there how are they going to know about you? "They'll find us on the radio" is just not good enough. People are creatures of habit, they have a couple of radio stations preset on their stereo and they switch between them, when one station does something they don't like they hit a button and go to another station. They haven't got time to search at random. They only way a station can be included in the listeners "file" of stations is to tell them they exist and give them a reason to listen. The existing legal stations in Dublin (excluding RTE) between them spend in the region of £2 million a year on marketing alone, that's half a million each, now see why yo1u need to be commercially viable? That's what Energy and the others are up against. There is a tiny glimmer of light though, the £2 million is not spent very well! If you run a pirate statin in Dublin and you are serious about winning listeners there are two marketing books I suggest you read; "Positioning - the battle for your mind" By Reis and Trout (these guys actually invented the term "positioning") and "Selling the Invisible" by Harry Beckwith. Although both books are aimed at business and service industries they are very relevent to radio. Yuo should also check out www.danoday.com and spend a few quid on some of his audio seminars on radio programming. His stuff is far superior to most "consultants" because he backs his ideas up with examples of them working in the real world. If you really do want to compete and win you have to be prepared to learn more. The day you think no one can teach you anything about radio is the day to get out.

Kelly Jones Posted - 3 August 2001 15:52 Excellent post Mike

Atlantis Posted - 3 August 2001 16:41 I think it's safe to say that Irish Mike is 100% anti-pirate. Still it's no surprise given the fact that he spent a number of years at 104 in around the time they were getting thrashed by Kiss 103 (104's own research proved that, Mike) That's all - for now...

Irish Mike Posted - 3 August 2001 16:51 I'm not anti-pirate, I'm just fed with people saying "the pirates have heaps of listeners" without producing any evidence to prove their claim. Saying "I know loads of people who don't listen to any of the legal stations" is no proof. I know loads of people who never listen to Robbie Williams and only listen to the likes of Public Domain, so does that prove they're bigger than Robbie Williams? Edited by - Irish Mike on 8/3/01 4:55:16 PM

Irish Mike Posted - 3 August 2001 16:58 Atlantis, Kiss never "Thrashed" 104. I admit they were taking listeners from us and, as a business, we used whatever means were available to eliminate the competition. The fact that they were a pirate worked in our favour. Believe me if we could have had 98 closed down, we would have! As would they to us.

Mike Posted - 3 August 2001 18:51 Id like to see you telling that to the EU competition authority :-)

The Real Stuttering John Posted - 3 August 2001 19:18 irish mike, I am not pro or anti pirate although i am totally against the current choice on radio without the pirates being there. Legalise those who can bring a service and once tastes are catered for then shut down further intruders. If the legalised pirates fail in their ability to survive as legals -tuff **** on them but give them a go legally........ sun fm has popped up in many a taxi, and i mean many a taxi i have been in over the months along with a few newsagents (but yes i agree they are on in few shops). energy's website, emails and gigs are proof of their listenership. phantom have a huge following and fair play to them , they fill a gap kick fm had many a taxi listening also. the top 3 stations in taxis at present seem to be from my experience in no order: Lite fm sun fm 98fm 104 and 98fm are winning hands down in shops/pubs . rarely do I hear lite or 2fm. Finally, if pirates are not taking the listeners where are they deserting to, as you may see from the jnlr, listenership is decreasing. No, the pirates aren't taking them all but they are 1 place people are going. People are turning off legal radio fact...... ....they are going to pirate, satellite radio/tv, cds and tapes, online radio(online listernership worldwide has doubled since january)or they atre going nowhere!

peterpan Posted - 3 August 2001 19:47 Yes Pirates do show up on JNLR. They are all lumped together in the Survey as OTHER with stations bordering Dublin,BBC spillover etc. Combined they never get more than a few percent..no threat to the establishment. If there was a threat there would be a reaction in the same way College Radio in the states affects the commercial sector. I can understand how people in these pirates get all excited at how wonderful their station is (or they think it is). Goodness knows thats why we all work in the business ..for the BUZZ. And Yes your friends might think its Mega..but sadly thats not good enough. You need figures showing you are reaching a market share. And you need to provide something at least a section of the audience wants, not what you think they want. Over the years we have all made that mistake as the listeners voted for our decision with their knobs ..thats if they found us in the first place. Its very easy to say How wonderful Nova was in hindsight..but was it. From what I remember it was very popular with 30s and under and had a huge male bias. Remember in 1982 Ireland was in depression, The spending money was in the hands of the housewife who didn't work and was usually 35 and over and listened as did most people with any disposable income to RADIO 1 in particular to a show which was at its peak back then hosted by a fella called Gay Byrne. Fine its 2001 and times have a changed. Let all these wonderful pirates have licences and play by the rules like the big boys. Fill the dial up and let the strongest survive. There will be winners but there will be loser too.

Mike Posted - 3 August 2001 20:14 Sure the pirates will "inflate" their listenershiip figures but doesn’t every licenced station in the country do that as well. "most listened to" "biggest market share" "fastest growing" "More ABC1 (whatever that means) listeners" etc

Mister807 Posted - 3 August 2001 20:18 Just a couple of technical clarifications here: 1. No, pirates arent included in the JNLR. The "other" can only come from a list of options on the survey. Otherwise, they don't count. Ditto anybody listening to radio via Satellite or internet. Wouldn’t make sense if they were included. Source: MRBI. Feel free to check it with them. 2. This cobblers about stations needing millions to market themselves is grounded in flawed and old fashioned marketing thinking. Progressive marketers in Europe and further abroad are selling stations at low cost by clever use of their "unique selling proposition" be that a particular musical or talk style or indeed a particular presenter. Hit people with your name and frequency and then just keep hitting away at your U.S.P. and particularly specialised radio can be marketed very effectively at a low budget. 3. The argument of "who listens in shops" is also a groundless one. In the UK, how many people have Classic FM or Five Live on in their shops? Very few, but Classic FM is a commercial success in a big way, and Five Live constantly thrashes its far more heavily marketed and promoted rival, TalkSport. Check the figures. 4. As for the pirates themselves and their listenership, well that will always be up for discussion. But remember this one important factor. If you can guarantee an advertiser a small (but obviously significant) audience of active listeners, rather than passive 104 punters, then you can and will be a commercial success. Eyes and minds need to be opened here people!

Irish Mike Posted - 3 August 2001 21:54 I agree with some of what you say. I did say that the "shops" syndrome is merely a yardstick. On the point of hitting hard with your USP, in an ideal world telling people about your USP is enough to get them onside. BUT when your competition is well ahead of you in the ratings and is spending alot of money getting it's message out the reality is that to be noticed you have to do more than point out your USP. Simply saying "We're the station that plays non stop R&B" is not enough. You need to create top of mind awareness. The key to winning a radio ratings battle is not getting people to listen, it's getting them to remember that they listened. People will often report listening to a station that they didn't actually hear, simply because the stations marketing has made the individual AWARE of it's existence. 98's Thunders and 104's Beetles are a very effective marketing tool because they get the names of the stations out on the street. As I suggested earlier you should read a couple of books on marketing so you understand fully the essence of marketing.

Mister807 Posted - 4 August 2001 0:34 Irish Mike, I see what you are saying about the "ratings battle" and I entirely agree. But I do believe that apart from registering a respectable number on the JNLR survey, say 3-4% for a specialist station (as most of the more well operated pirates would be), the research to be presented to advertisers also needs to delve that little bit deeper to give your advertisers hooks. In specialist broadcasting, the main yardstick is not in pure numerics but in the "quality" of listener you can bring to your station. Im sure you would not deny the importance of brand loyalty, and this is something that can be used by specialist broadcasters. Mainstream stations cannot generally offer this, as they suffer from non-stop flicking when a listener hears a song they may not like etc. Generally, listeners to a specialised broadcaster will be loyal. This, and the fact that listeners are likely to be much more "active" also has a very significant value. Advertisers are looking for more than just numbers in specialist broadcasting, and to bring us back to the initial topic, this is what some of the "pirates" provide. And by the way, Im a Kottler man myself and Susan Taylor Eastman has also written an excellent book called "Research in Media Promotion" which takes a similar view to those expressed above. That is, one set of rules for mainstream broadcasters and another similar set for specialist broadcasters. The differences, subtle as they are, are very significant. Youre not the only one to read their marketing books! Once again, thanks for debating the issue. Mister807

Irish Mike Posted - 4 August 2001 3:7 Forgive me Mister807 if I seemed to suggest that I was the only learned one here. I do agree that specialist stations generate more brand loyalty and that media buyers will welcome the opportunity to target certain groups. However, the points made by some individuals earlier, combined with your insight serve to re-enforce my belief that many pirates would not survive as licenced stations. The majority of people on this board are involved with/supporters of dance stations and, as you pointed out, quality of listener is very important in specialist radio, the fact is (please don't be offended by this) dance music does not have a reputation for attracting top quality listeners. The majority of dance radio fans are under 21 with little disposable income. These stations would find it difficult to make money in the increasingly crowded market.

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The Real Stuttering John Posted - 4 August 2001 16:53 a few points: I agree with mister 807 with most of what he says including the fact that pirates ARE NOT INCLUDED IN JNLR. yes a list is given of which the pirates etc are not on. Not only pulse fm's research showed them with a huge listenership. kiss, storm etc all showed it. Also 3-4% share is not even needed. look at cities of similar size in the usa or new zealand and you will see that some of the smaller bottom of the barrel stations are surviving on a 1-2% or less of 1-1.2million population similar to Dublin. (although 10+ or 12+ are included not just over 15s as here). On that point can I ask the question to anyone why in Ireland do we rate only 15+. In the USA it is 12+, OZ is 10+ etc etc. Do younger teenagers not have ears or any persuasive powers for spending? Do young teenagers not spend. Surely this is an important age for adverisers to reach for banks (most people stay with the same bank from when they are about 10-15)clothes, music, fast food, soft drinks, holidays, toys, cinema, tv, mags/comics etc etc etc........not forgetting the nagging by youngsters to get their parents to purchase things

Atlantis Posted - 4 August 2001 18:23 To Irish Mike, 104 had precious little listeners at the time so when I refer to Kiss 'Thrashing' 104, they quite literally did. I'm sure Mike and Kevin could further back up my point and then some as both gentlemen discovered the plotting and dirty tricks didn't end with just jamming and raids when they went to work for 104. Still I suppose none of this really matters to you Mike as you got the bullet quite soon after with Mark Byrne replacing you. I do recall you doing some overnights before accepting a 'lucrative' offer to move to Scotland. Again, that's all - for now...

Irish Mike Posted - 5 August 2001 22:39 Ah Atlantis, you are so sure you know who I am but once more you're wrong! I am very much still in Dublin. AS for Mike being able to back ypu up, he took the job at 104 as part of a deal to close Kiss, so he was as much to blame as anyone in Ballast House. He knew the reality was that he could never win against the might of the legal stations hence he has stayed on the legitimate side of the fence since. I am all for more choice in Dublin but what annoys me is people involved in pirates who think that because they geta couple of hundred e-mails that they are thrashing 98 and 104 etc. It seems to me that most people involved in the current pirates are doing radio for themselves and not the listeners. Remember too that if there were deregulation it would affect the currents stations aswell. So 104 would no longer have to feature 20% news and current affairs. Believe me, if they thought that there was a lot of money to be made from dance radio they would bring in an experienced dance programmer who would blow the former pirates out of the water. At the end of the day money makes the world go round.

Atlantis Posted - 6 August 2001 13:5 If I am wrong about who you are Mike, prove me wrong. Mike Ormond was right to throw in the towel and go for a career as there is only so much time and money you can spend on something that is doomed from the word go. The fact that 104 were willing to offer the guy a job in order to get rid of his station serves as a reminder of how deep in **** 104 were at the time. On the subject of pirates of course it's ridiculous to suggest that they have as big a listenership as their legal counterparts but it would also be ridiculous to suggest that they don't have listeners. I would dearly love to see an independent survey carried out that included everybody and not just those that subscribe to the JNLR. I'm not involved with the pirates anymore but i resent your recent comments suggesting that the current crop of pirates will not be remembered in the same way the 80's pirates will be. Bull****. The average 15 year old that listens to Energy/Freedom/Hot will probably look back in a few years and think how great the radio was compared to what they're listening to at that time. Even now I meet people who remember Kiss/Sunset etc with great fondness. Each generation will have it's own radio stations and whether they had massive powered transmitters or more 'professional' presenters is of no relevance to the listener. Just shut up and play the music. The 90's pirates may not be remembered for being as professional as what we had i the 80's but more importantly they will be remembered for embracing the dance culture that nobody else was interested in exploiting. The likes of yourself, Mike, and your colleagues were more interested in playing Mark Cohn album tracks and Curtis Stigers hits. And don't tell me that's what your listeners wanted to hear, look at 104's figures from back then. I genuinely pity people like yourself that don't enjoy what you do anymore and consistently make little of people who do radio for the love of it and not just for the pay cheque at the end of the month. p.s Of course pirate jocks are in it for themselves and not the listener. Was it different in the 80's? I doubt it.

squod Posted - 6 August 2001 17:39 thank you all for your contributions in answer to my questions , most enlightening . I don't think any of us here will figure the percentages but it is alot more likely to regularly listen to pirates the younger you get . 'say's alot for me i still can't stand to hear the likes of 104 or 98 . I believe the future lies in diversification offered only now by pirate presenters a lot of whom are v/talented.

Irish Mike Posted - 6 August 2001 18:33 Atlantis, who I am is of little importance but I can assure you that I am as passionate about what I do now as I was 20 years ago. It was never my intention to belittle those who are involved in radio for the love of the medium, if I have offended anyone I apologise. The point I was trying to make was that too many people on this board are not thinking of the listener. The person who switches the radio on or off is THE most important person in the world as far as radio is concerned. As for the music on 104 in the early 90's, the station carried out extensive ongoing research to ensure that the music played was what the target audience wanted. I think what you're forgetting or ignoring here is that at that time 104 was not after the teenage listener, our main focus was 25-34 year olds. Whether or not that was a wise choice is another debate but in the market we were after it wasn't Kiss that was thrashing us, it was 98. I'm not denying that Kiss took listeners but the main problem lay with 98. I agree that there is little for the under 21's on legal radio at the moment but Spin FM is planning to change that. You must remember that not everyone under 21 is into dance music, in fact rock music still accounts for more music sales to under 25's than dance. If you truly believe that there should be a legal dance station for Dublin why don't you lobby the IRTC and various sympathetic TDs. You can only win if you play the game. Please don't tell me it's pointless, the only way you're guaranteed to fail is if you don't try.

Manderley Posted - 6 August 2001 22:38 Irish Mike, you are obviously very knowledgeable and quite bright and it's nice to see someone who is able to hold a logical argument on this board. However, it is pretty clear that you have disdain for pirate radio in general, despite the fact that you undoubtedly started in pirate radio yourself (or was it different back then?) I think you are being quite disingenuous when you claim that Kiss did not cause a massive problem for 104 in 1994. I can say that I know for a fact that inhouse tracking reports prepared for and studied by Scott Williams from February to October 1994 were "found" in 104 by a staff member and that these clearly indicate the exact situation at the time. Not any point going into exact figures, but it clearly shows the pattern that made 104 decided to break the law themselves and try to jam Kiss off the air in April 1994. These tracking sheets are still in existence and prove beyond doubt that Kiss was a cause of immense concern to 104. Numerous staff members working at 104 at the time will also vouch that Dermot and Scott seemed more interested in getting Kiss closed than actually running their own radio station at the time. Re, you comment about 98FM being 104's biggest competitor; 104 traditionally benefited from having strong support in the 15 to 24 age bracket - although these were not the primary target market. 98 FM was 104's largest competitor by far, and 104 were trying to go head to head with 98FM in the 25 to 44 age group. The fact that 104 had, say, 135,000 under 24's listening offered them a huge amount of numbers to add onto their figures. Despite the fact that 104 didn't want to cater for these listeners, it certainly wanted the benefit of the numbers and definitely didn't want to loose these to a pirate station that could serve this market with exactly what it wanted - no news, oldies or commercials. Some would say that if Scott had have spent more time trying to make his radio station listenable than trying to close Kiss, that he wouldn't have been forced to leave in the manner that he was.

Irish Mike Posted - 6 August 2001 23:23 I do not have any disdain for the current pirates. As I have said more than once before, my beef is with those who are so self righteous that they dismiss the legal stations simply because they don't appeal to them. I agree that the biggest mistake at 104 in 1994 was the amount of time and effort spent on combating Kiss. The reaction from FM104 only gave credence to the existence of the station. I made my feelings known at the time (you can imagine how well that went down). I was involved in the research which identified the Kiss problem and I can assure you that it wasn't as dramatic as it's being made out. I'm not denying there was a problem , I never have, it's just been exaggerated by die-hard pirates. I think we'll have to accept that we're not going to agree on this and let it lie, after all it's history now! Back on the original topic, I'd be keen to know how the legal stations fare in these "independent" surveys carried out on behalf of the pirates (although carrying out an independent survey on behalf of someone is in itself an oxymoron).

Radio Mad Posted - 7 August 2001 0:6 It is my view that too much emphasis is put on listenership size and the amount of money somebody like Denis O'Brien can glean from the radio business. True, constant financial losses can't be sustained, but we're talking broadcasting here not how Superquinn, Tesco, Dunnes, Spar and the likes compete with each other. Radio is different!! It is there to cater for peoples of varying tastes. Just because a person enjoys listening to something other than what's at number one, doesn't mean they should be ignored. As I have argued elsewhere on these boards, it's time RTE be given a licence increase to service and extend its public service responsibilities. Licence independent broadcasters and give them a share of the fee if they are willing to compete with RTE on the same footing. 2FM should no longer be part of RTE. Let it survive on advertising revenue alone and licence niche music stations such as the plethora of dance music, indie and oldies stations already operating illegally. To the a-r-s-e-h-o-l-e-s entrusted with the job of telling us what we can and cannot listen to, open your ears and open your bloody minds, for once!

Irish Mike Posted - 7 August 2001 0:24 Okay Radio Mad how do you suggest we measure a stations success? As you said financial losses cannot be sustained by a station. The only way radio stations generate revenue is through advertising. Advertisers buy time on that stations which can help them reach the most potential customers and the only way to gauge that is through listenership research. How would suggest we measure success? By the number of posts about the station on RadioAnoraks???!! Or maybe media buyers should just spend all their budget on a station they like the sound of and hope for the best!

Mister807 Posted - 7 August 2001 21:4 Firstly, while I might disagree with Irish Mike about some of his marketing theories, I do totally agree with him about the importance of trying. If you do feel something is that important, than you do have to do whatever you can to make it happen and indeed the truest failure of all, is that to not try at all. Back to our marketing debate now, and I would have to say that I would dispute the assertion that the under 21's do not have significant income which could sustain a radio station(s). I was involved in some substantial research on this topic quite recently, and found that companies are willing to spend huge amounts of money to target the 14-20 age bracket. From mobile phones, to clothing companies to banks, to drinks companies there are loads of them out there, all seeking to tap the youth market. I think personally the IRTC made a mistake (I know, we all thought they were infallible) when they went for the safe option of Spin FM eg low cost base and existing licensee as backup, and I think this choice will lead to Spin being a predominately safe, unchallenging radio venture creatively and in the marketing sense. This of course is making the giant assumption that Spin FM will begin broadcasting before we all die. Yes, in the end commercial radios success has to be measured by its audience figures but not merely by its top line figure. Stations and advertisers need to have proper breakdowns not just of how many are listening in a purely quantititive way but also who is listening in a listener profile sort of way! Stations need to be able to give advertisers their target profile, and then use surveys like an expanded JNLR to back them up, or not as the case may be. And again, thanks everyone for the continuing debate. Do you ever get the feeling that if these debates were going on more where decisions are made, that Irish radio would be in a considerably better state?

Irish Mike Posted - 7 August 2001 21:51 Mister 807, I'm interested to hear about the research into the spending power of 14-20 year olds. I'm not questioning it, I'm genuinely keen to know more. I agree whole heartedly with your last statement but I don't imagine there's any chance that the "powers that be" will pay any attention to this discussion.

Tony McKenzie wannabe Posted - 7 August 2001 23:55 Great debate guys keep it up.

squod Posted - 8 August 2001 0:17 yes mister 807 makes startling sense . and also obvious . take a look at the Irish singles chart , a phone shop or just up Grafton street . many young people with spending power and importantly time on their hands . i cannot understand why large commercial stations continue to marginalise themselves with dodgy playlists and presenters the average joe can't relate to . this business is about entertainment . there is a simple equation here that does not add up and i am reminded of it every time some says they're Dublin's number one or whatever .

Irish Mike Posted - 8 August 2001 0:51 Squod, your comment about stations marginalising themselves with dodgy playlists etc., exposes a very narrow view. You say radio is entertainment but your position appears to be that it is, or should be, exclusively for the under 25's. The reason why stations have presenters that teens cannot relate to is because they are not trying to appeal to that market. As to whether or not they should be appealing to them, that's the basis of this whole debate. Over the course of this discussion I have changed my views on one or two things. I accept mister 807's point on the spending power of 14 to 20 year olds. My current position doesn't involve marketing to such a young group so I guess I'll have to admit to being a little out of the loop on that issue. However, I stand by one point, saying that Dublin is crying out for a station aimed at a young audience does not necessarily translate as "Dublin needs wall to wall dance music", which seems to have been the thrust of many of the points made here. I notice too that no one has been able to answer my query about how the legal stations fare in research conducted by pirates, which seems to suggest that the pirates do exactly what they condemn JNLR for, i.e. exclude the other side. If that is the case then pirate figures are not more accurate or relevent than JNLR.

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Manderley Posted - 8 August 2001 23:21 Whey-hey! Game set and match to Irish Mike! Your experience in this game, and impeccable debating skills are proving what a consumate pro you are. You've obviously got a knack for clear thought and the fact that very few people have been able to either sidetrack you from your original points, or make a better argument than you in a logical manner says a lot about the calibre of the "experts" who are on this board. What I would say to the pirate operators/jocks who feel that they are in some way entitled to a licence - learn more about the issues involved; if the IRTC are to be persuaded to issue more licences in the medium to long term, the arguments put to them will have to be clear and concise, based on an intricate knowledge of the radio market. Also be very aware that Irish Mike will probably be arguing against you all the way -especially if there's any chance of you cutting into his market (and why wouldn't he be?)

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keyboard Posted - 3 August 2001 17:30 This is my first week using the board, and and I really can't believe the stupidity of people on this thread. I don't work there, but I like listening to 2FM, and have always been a big fan. Some people here seem to rate a good station, by how many times the jock talks up to the into. Or maybe, by how fast he speaks, or maybe even if he plays 10 songs in a row, without speaking, or possibly he does a 7 second link. WOW!!!. 2FM's listenership figures speak for themselves. I'm sure they don't care about people here, because they're not here for you. They're here for radio listeners in general (not anoraks), and they're still pulling in big listeners. And don't say they've no competition, what about 20odd local stations and Today FM. Look at Ireland's Top 20 Radio Shows at www.medialive.ie. Seven of the shows (weekdays and weekends)belong to 2FM. Not bad! Where is TodayFM? Plus, they hold their own in Dublin despite the massive marketing campaign's of 98 and 104. That's what counts boy's and girl's!!!!!! Welcome to the real world...................

Enrique Iglesias Posted - 4 August 2001 1:28 I've nearly fallen off my seat pissing myself laughing at your ridiculous comments!!! "Welcome to the real world"!! I'm glad you've joined, seems we're in for a laugh!!! ANY FOOL knows that 98 AND 104 pee-pee all over 2FM in Dublin!! So your figures that speak for themselves- ye know where ye can stick 'em!! I'll grant you that they absorb a lot of audience figures in IRELAND, not DUBLIN, and the reason; THERE'S NO BLOODY COMPETITION OUTSIDE OF DUBLIN! Tony Fenton's figures(as sh1t hot as the man is)are a joke! Steve K and MArk Byrne have a considerable lead over him. Only two years ago when 104 were almost untouchable, Gaughran had as many listeners as Gerry Ryan did in Dublin...seen as your best mates with medialive.ie, go check the figures and come back with your tail between your legs!!!

countryboy Posted - 4 August 2001 18:44 KEYBOARD YOUR A FOOL, AND ALSO 2FM HAVE PLENTY OF COMPETITION OUTSIDE OF DUBLIN, CORK AND LIMERICK, WE FOR ONE ARE KICKING THEIR ASS, MOST FO THE LOCALS HAVE AT LEAST TWICE AS MANY LISTENERS IN THEIR AREA AS 2FM AND RTE1 PUT TOGETHER, LOOK BEYOND THE PALE FOR 2 MINUTES LADS, 2FM HAVE NOT GOT WHAT THEY USED TO HAVE.

BuddyBuddy Posted - 4 August 2001 19:14 Without Gerry Ryan in the morning, 2FM may as well shut off the TX in Dublin. Ryan carries the station - his fanatical audience listen for the entire 3 hours of his show. Larry keeps them till about 12.45 and then they drop off. Gareth didn't do too badly in the last book, damaging Lite FM more than anyone (frightening to think that our national youth station and Lite FM have the same demographics). Weekends on 2FM are extremely poor. As Enrique said, they get pissed on in Dublin. Lets hope that someday 2FM will go and do what they were set up to do; provide a radio service for under 25s. Will it happen? Nah - a combination of RTE not wishing to kill the 2FM cash cow and the age profile of 2fM big wigs ensure that we'll never have a Triple J or BBC Radio 1 type service from them.

keyboard Posted - 6 August 2001 18:2 As I said...I can't believe the stupidity of people on this board... Point Proven. (look aboove) Over and Out.........

Radio Mad Posted - 6 August 2001 23:50 It annoys me to read drivel about 2FM figures being way ahead of Today FM's. RTE, including 2FM, is part funded by commercial advertising revenue and more importantly the licence fee. Today FM relies solely on ads and therefore is at a distinct disadvantage. The licence fee is there with the intention of funding a 'public service remit' supposedly provided by RTE. With this in mind, someone tell me why we should be paying for a service such as 2FM that is unashamedly competing with broadcasters who don't have access to the same type of funding as them. By going after the lowest common denominator it is failing to recognise why it is there in the first place. That's what's wrong with radio in this country; there is too much emphasis on which stations have the most listeners and make the lost money. Radio should be about giving people a choice and that is just not happening. Take 2FM off RTE and let it attempt to exist in the marketplace like its independent counterparts. The 20% talk restriction currently in place is very costly and should be made optional. The dance radio stations, the Phantoms FM's, Premiers, Sun, Gem etc should be allowed prove themselves in the legal sector. Increase the licence fee and give it to RTE and independent broadcasters to spend on costly, but vitally important output, such as news and current affairs. By doing the above the playing field is levelled and music stations can compete head-to-head. Get off out of the ratings trap and make some valid points on the directions radio should be taking in this country.

Irish Mike Posted - 7 August 2001 0:44 Whilst I disagree with Radio Mad on the issue of ratings I do concur that RTE has failed to fulfill it's obligations as a public service broadcaster. I don't believe, though, that the problem is lack of funds. I think RTE is simply failing to use it's available funds wisely. The figures may have changed recently but as far as I'm aware there are just over 2000 people employed by RTE. They are dreadfully overstaffed, particularly in administration. For example, presenters at 2FM must have a broadcast assistant to take calls for competitions etc. no matter what time of day it is, why? If commercial presenters can answer the phone so can those in RTE. The high staff levels cannot be excused by claiming they're needed to produce the programmes. The quality of programming offered by RTE radio and Television is, at best, mediocre. RTE needs more creative personnel and fewer pen pushers.

250 Watt Posted - 7 August 2001 4:30 keyboard,in relation to your above comments,only an amount od Dj'd make that station popular,thus look at fm 104...The Dj's that have come from Pirate Stations...Steve K,Andy P,Jenny G....24% of Adults listen to them rather than the 20% to 2 fms,39% of the young people listen to fm 104,thats Steve K and Andy P,they came from the best pirates...The fact in plain and simple,not bitching with you,but Pirates do have alot of listenership.2 fm spends alot of money of advertisment, look at Pulse and the figures they had,they never advertised on Hugh bill boards or tv...its a fact,if Pirates had the power and advertisement as 2 fm,2 fm and their jocks wouldn't be heard of... "Ideas are the root of Creation" 250 Watt

Arnold Posted - 7 August 2001 14:6 With regard to 2FM and the licence fee, I would sincerely hope that 2FM contribute to RTEs running costs rather than take from. It would be adding insult to injury to find out that they couldn't pay their way.

statto Posted - 7 August 2001 16:24 Just in relation to this Medialive Top 20 thing, I've just checked in and see that 96 FM in Cork feature on in and none of the Dublin stations do. It's hard to believe that a station that never is even rated on this board can deliver a greater audience than the shows and jocks that the contributors to this board seem to revere. If they are so great then maybe they should move to Cork. There is mention of weekend figures. Does anyone know what the figures for the Dance Shows on 2FM are and any other shows at the weekend ?

DeargDoom Posted - 7 August 2001 20:37 The Dublin market is split with 3 local stations. Cork has one. It owns the local opt-out. Easy to be number one when you're the only game in town!

Bob The Banker Posted - 8 August 2001 21:6 You forget that RTE had 89FM/Cork Local Radio there for years. Grant it they never really provided much opposition to 96fm but they sure had the resources to do it if they wanted, instead they just gave up which is typical of rte. Also remember that 103fm is more than just an opt-out from 96fm. they do share some programming but this is mostly overnight and at the weekend so there really is 3 stations in cork. I never understood though why rte had a local opt out for cork and not one for Dublin. Surely it would have made more sense to have an opt out for dub.

Big Bottom Posted - 8 August 2001 23:33 It's traditional - going back to the 1920's. There were originally two radio stations in Ireland - 2RN in Dublin and one in Cork, I forget the name, was it 6CK maybe? The two eventually became Raidio Eireann. As most of the programming initially came from 2RN and originated from Dublin (no high quality ISDN's or satellites then) Raidio Eireann WAS perceived to be very much the Dublin station. Transmissions were renewed from Cork after much lobbying a service continued in cork until last year when 89FM closed. Interestingly (yawn) Radio na Sipe (or something like that ) goes out on 612Khz and 1278Khz every evening at 7pm aimed at Albanian refugees - so there still is broadcasting from cork by RTE.

Radio Mad Posted - 8 August 2001 23:52 Irish Mike, i agree with your assertion that RTÉ needs a massive overhaul. It is top-heavy with "pen pushers" as you call them and people with less talent than I have in my small finger. Get rid of the waste and increase the licence fee to allow the state broadcaster to produce exciting good quality public service radio & TV. I take Arnold's point that 2FM probably funds itself by the advertising revenue it takes in. But the fact remains that it is competing head-to-head with commercial broadcasters who don't have the financial muscle being part of a the national licence fee run broadcaster brings. This manifests itself in may ways such as 2FM being able to use its dominant position to advertise its services on RTÉ TV free of charge, whereas independents such as FM104 and 98 must pay for the privilege.

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Megawatts Posted - 1 August 2001 19:12 So the only way we can get something listenable to in the north is to sack and replace the Stool-FM and DTR Utterly DULL very limited "men" in grey stuffed shirts... but not to do so with simply more stuffed corporates, who have no interest in the station sound. A recent feature on the GWR group... featured dull grey studios... no wonder the "product" is so dull and grey, ... God help us from the utterly dull and grey!"!!!

southcoast194 Posted - 3 August 2001 9:24 Do they even have a "board" based in the North or is it all controlled from the SRH HQ at Clyde ? Whatever we think and whatever may be posted on this board it is obviously still making money for the SRH Group and someone must be doing something right otherwise it would have been "cleared out" a long time ago. One funny thing I don't understand is that all the PPL who slagged John Rosborough off over the years, now seem to be banging at the Citybeat door on an almost Daily basis, also for all the bad comments I'd read over the years about him stiffling talent and being unwilling to try anyone new, he seems to have quite a lot of young presenters on air at Citybeat.

Radio Presenter Posted - 3 August 2001 14:42 And Citybeat's figures went UP yesterday. Well done JR!

claire Posted - 3 August 2001 18:50 you are probably aware that most if not all of the young presenters at citybeat were there long before jr even got the job!!!

HE WHO KNOWS Posted - 4 August 2001 15:48 That is true, and they seem to be as good if not better than most of the older jocs, not just on Citybeat but even Cool! Its funny how Northern Irelands 'number 1' music radio station 'Cool FM' does not even have any appeal for the younger jocs who would be more suited to their music format than Citybeat's. However as southcoast pointed out, with DTR/ COOL staff knocking on the Beats door everyday now, is it any wonder that budding talent have no interest in the North’s 2 fading stations. And with Citybeat now reaching 147'000 listeners in Belfast alone now, (thats its best ever result)it is great to see how the tables have turned. Miles is right, its time to get rid of the old grey suits at Cool/DTR, and in with new talent who can make these stations sound refreshing again!!!

southcoast194 Posted - 4 August 2001 17:18 Congrats indeed to Citybeat and to JR as many have given him severe stick over the years. Perhaps it always was a case of the meddling suits upstairs that always gave him such a bad press. My point about the younger jocks was that if JR had been so against new talent as was always made out, he would have cleared Citybeat out on arrival. By the way, I also hear some ex-DTR/COOL Fm PPL now tucked away in Ormeau Ave have also been seen out and about with JR recently... Edited by - southcoast194 on 8/4/01 5:20:01 PM

Megawatts Posted - 7 August 2001 17:22 I would much prefer STOOL/DTR produced great exciting radio, and had good local opt outs about the whole province, but they don't, and each time I ever listen, I get the finger nail peeling shivering sound of self congratulatory utter NAFF-ness that would make the dead grindge.

southcoast194 Posted - 8 August 2001 14:49 While I agree that Downtown isn't always great radio, to be fair it's still much better than many of it's counterparts across the water. As someone who spends as much time in London as you do should well know ! I don't think it's quite as easy to write off as many make out. Of course it has weak points but there is a lot about it that isn't the worst in the world. Cool on the other hand really doesn't seem to know where it's heading it goes from terrible radio to quite good radio but it's music is all over the place. It's DJ's aren't the worst on-air either, though there is of course loads of room for improvement. Good Jocks, Miles, as you yourself once pointed out, are hard to come by and at the end of the day you get what you pay for. Cool jocks are, by all accounts, badly paid and treated like dirt by the management.

Radio Presenter Posted - 8 August 2001 16:45 >>>>>>>>>Good Jocks, Miles, as you yourself once pointed out, are hard to come by and at the end of the day you get what you pay for. Cool jocks are, by all accounts, badly paid and treated like dirt by the management.<<<<<<<<< There are a lot of jocks, but not many good ones. The old notion of you get what you pay for is true AND false. There are some good jocks who are perfecting their on-air skills, who remain undiscovered by larger stations and are working for awful money to gain valuable experience. It's that passion for the product which is a rare trait these days but the guys and gals who believe in the themselves will ultimately win! Eventually they get recognition, get snapped up into, perhaps, a larger market and receive better rewards for their talent. Edited by - Radio Presenter on 8/8/01 4:46:29 PM

Megawatts Posted - 10 August 2001 18:35 Good Jocks are GROWN. They grow better in an environment where they feel they have a good career, with variety, and vitality. It also means a variety of powerful competitive stations, that means the success of the station depends in a larger way to the talent on air. God help the DTR DJs, who have nothing to aim for since 1976. God Help the COOL DJs.. operating from a filthey, badly laid studio, installed by a management who care little if anything about radio. The best thing for DTR/Cool etc would be to have hot effective competition, that meant that the on air talent had to use their wits to keep, and gain audience. NONE of this is true in Ulster. Potentially it SHOULD be the case in Dublin, with 98 and 104, and 2FM. It is the FAILURE of the Radio Authority and IRTC, that this is NOT the case. They should BOTH GO!. NOW.

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JackDeLad Posted - 7 August 2001 4:14 Hey guys the biggest and most important radio event of the year is happening on the 13th of this month, yes the day that all the hiring and firing could happen. Its the JNLR yearly book. Any body got any predictions? Who will be up in the mornings, midday, afternoons, evenings and will the Talkshow continue the downward spiral. Lets here all the comments. Will 98fm still be Dublin’s number one or will 104 take the lead again. How about Lite FM they should start to show real figures now , they have a full year.What about Today FM and Dempsey. What about 104 big staff change recently will it show? let us hear your opinions on all this and more.

optimod Posted - 7 August 2001 6:58 Does anyone actually care?? This is Dublin, not New York! Whether a station goes up or down a couple of points is totally irrelevant as the same $hite programming willl continue anyway. But I would love to see the figure for so called community radio stations ...

Mike Posted - 7 August 2001 19:37 Have to agree with optimod (would also like to see figures for pirates, UK stations, Atlantic 252 and RnaG/RnaL)

DeargDoom Posted - 7 August 2001 20:34 maybe the community stations should pay for the results the way commercial radio has to. Or is it easier for community radio to claim any old number as their listenership (as Anna Livia do). As for the JNLRs being irrelevant - people gain or lose jobs according to those figures.

luther arkwright Posted - 7 August 2001 20:46 Community stations don't have to bother with JNLR, most make their money from grants, sponsorship and fundraising with advertising last as a source of income. Personally, I couldn't give a rats arse about the number of people listening. The Phones ring a few times an hour, that's enough for me I said it once and i'll say it again- anna livia are not a community radio station, they hold a special interest station.

DeargDoom Posted - 7 August 2001 20:52 Luther - you're arguing semantics when you talk about Anna Livias 'special interest' licence. When I worked there (under their original licence) they were deeming THEMSELVES as a community station. My point was that detailed JNLR figures are only made available to those that pay for 'em.

luther arkwright Posted - 7 August 2001 20:57 it's not semantics, there is a big difference between special interest licences and community radio licences otherwise, well nobody would have bothered to have different names for them. Special interest licence allows for greater scope in terms of making commercial income and the owners of the station are not the community- the structure of anna livia is a company limited by guarantee while most community radio stations have co-op structures. Anyway, that's beside the point. The reason the JNLR's figures are only available to those who pay is because they are commercially sensitive and nobody wants to reveal how many people listen to "Other"! L Edited by - luther arkwright on 8/7/01 8:58:23 PM

starburst Posted - 7 August 2001 21:11 I'd argue that one reason why community stations don't partake in the JLNR is because the figures are done on a whole Dublin franchise area basis, where as community stations cater for a subset of this franchise area. Figures measured across Dublin would adversely effect community radio figures. But the real reasons are more practical than that. As Luther mentioned before, commercial figures are not as important to community stations as they are to commercial stations (because they can use other sources of funding), but also because of the sheer cost of including oneself in the survey. Money would be better spent on trying to train locals in how to cope and deal with media, and how to put ones point across, on air.

luther arkwright Posted - 7 August 2001 21:23 you hit the nail on the head starburst. To measure community stations on a dublin wide basis for instance would give you no idea of who in their catchment area listens. You'd either have to include community radio catchment areas in your JNLR and measure all the other stations in that area or assess listnership for community stations as a whole for dublin, but what good would that do you? None Money could indeed be better spent L Edited by - luther arkwright on 8/7/01 9:25:56 PM

DeargDoom Posted - 7 August 2001 21:37 Right Luther. Keep telling yourself that Anna Livia is not a community station. As for the JNLR, you want to get your station included in the survey, you pay for it. The same goes for the AC Nielson figures in Aus, or the Arbitrons in the States.

luther arkwright Posted - 7 August 2001 23:39 sure if i say it often enough..wont it be true. p.s don't get me wrong, i like anna livia, i've done programmes there in my time

Irish Mike Posted - 8 August 2001 0:20 My gripe with radio research (not just here but the world over) is the fact that only the stations that pay get listed. I appreciate that research companies make their money from "subscriptions" but I have always thought that the policy of not listing stations who do not pay is counter productive. By listing non contributory stations merely as "others" they are denying clients access to information which may be important. It seems to me that the logical way to produce accurate information is to publish topline figures which list all stations (legal or not) under copyright. This would ensure that contributors get a true picture of the situation, complete with all breakdowns. Non subscribing stations and the general public would only get the basic "headcount" which they would not be permitted to use for promotional or marketing purposes. Does this make sense to anyone else??

luther arkwright Posted - 8 August 2001 0:26 the research may be done by an independent company but the interpretation is clearly tainted and if no one but the payees get to see the full result then that undermines the research..everyone seems to be no 1 in the city. it would be good if it was done independently of the stations altogether

JackDeLad Posted - 8 August 2001 4:3 Luther the figures are dine independently!! Alas the stations juggle them around a bit to get them to say what they want. You also mentioned that you were happy if the phone rang a few times. I would like to point out from experience that this has no bearing on how many people listen to you (not that you seem to care) and contrary to popular belief some of us legals do actually care. As for all the stations claiming to be NO. 1, well there is only one NO. 1. That’s whoever is ahead in market share and at this present moment in Dublin that happens to be radio 1 but in the independent stakes its 98FM and that cant be argued unless you start to juggle. This still does not answer the original posting i put up. I will repeat myself again " Lets hear the predictions" and lets not get into an argument over how important theses results are because somebody will lose a gig or two because of them. Start with breakfast and work your way up.

countryboy Posted - 8 August 2001 11:25 FACT:Only around 100th of your audience will ring you if your show is a phone-in, you cannot judge listenership on calls and anybody who does is a complete amateur.

Hoochy Posted - 8 August 2001 14:27 I agree countryboy, I would be a fan of Tony Fenton but I have never called his show ever to do or say anything. As for the JNLR, it's a pity it's just an agency driven exercise. I mean how many people will actually tell the truth to a survey.

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Radio Mad Posted - 9 August 2001 0:1 One thing is a certainty, RTÉ1/2FM. FM104, 98FM, TODAY FM, East Coast et al, will have their spin doctors, I mean advertising agencies, out on force to tell us - the gullible people as they see it - that they are all numbero uno. It doesn't matter to me who is top and bottom of the ratings, as I'm not an advertiser or station owner. I'll still listen to the stations that please my listening ear most.

luther arkwright Posted - 9 August 2001 4:20 When i said "Personally, I couldn't give a rats arse about the number of people listening. The Phones ring a few times an hour, that's enough for me", I wasn't suggesting that this was any indication of listenership levels . What I meant was that, on top of the people who use community radio stations to get their message across ( be it though email, fax or interviews), people ringing in are always welcome. Community radio stations work more like community halls/ centres rather than conventional radio stations and the people who turn up at the doors or on air are as important as defined listeners. Luther

countryboy Posted - 11 August 2001 18:12 WHETHER WE LIKE THE WAY THEY ARE CONDUCTED OR NOT, THE SURVEY DUE OUT THIS MONDAY (I THINK) WILL DETERMINE OUR SALARIES, FUTURE AND 100 OTHER ASPECTS OF OUR JOBS.

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Mike Posted - 12 August 2001 4:6 OK folks my "20% news" post attracted a lot of interesting comments so lets try another one. How come there is so little debate about the level of copyright fees/PPL Levies charged to broadcasters in this country by IMRO/MCPS etc. I understand the level of fees charged in Ireland is quite high by international standards and limits the number of stations that can viably operate in Ireland (assuming that the IRTC would licence more stations). Surely it would be in IMRO's members interests to have smaller fees being paid by a larger number of stations ? Should there be more concessionaire rates for community/hospital or even special interest stations ? Is the idea of stations having to pay ANYTHING to play music a bit strange given that 1) In many cases they have already paid through the nose for CD's for their record libraries. 2) The fact that bands record companies often go to extraordinary lengths to get airplay for music show that radio airplay PROMOTES the sale of CD's (One of the arguments for introducing PPL levies in the beginning was the fear that people wouldn’t buy records if they could hear them on the radio) Should songwriters/artists be getting a bigger share of the revenue from the sale of CD's rather than trying to collect money from stations which ADVERTISE their music ? Or is it only right that stations should have to pay (often struggling) artists/songwriters for the use of their work -any thoughts ?

The Ghost Of FMC Posted - 12 August 2001 12:53 I always thought that copyright fees were about 6% of your advertising income. What's the current rate in Ireland?

luther arkwright Posted - 13 August 2001 10:34 Certainly, radio stations give artists airplay and hence promotion and hence increase their sales, but at the same time, radio stations make money on being able to play these artists, so hence the royalty charge. It would seem that the current royalty fees are not too high, otherwise, royalty payments would outstrip advertising income and no one would be making any money at all. I don't see why commercial stations should not have to pay royalties. L

optimod Posted - 13 August 2001 11:52 Or community stations either! Luther dear boy.

Tower of Power Posted - 13 August 2001 12:4 Okay Optimod.... we get your point. Now hows about expanding your vocabulary and being a bit constructive...... your comments as of late seem to be "Copy & Paste".

luther arkwright Posted - 13 August 2001 12:35 tis getting a bit dull when optimod puts postings on the board when in fact he doesn't know what he's/she's talking about. Community radio stations are charged a flat fee of between IR350 and IR400. And this is because they are not for profit i.e. any money made goes back into the running of the stations and not out as dividends

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Mike Posted - 7 August 2001 19:46 Isint it about time the farcical 20% news requirment on stations was scrapped. The fact that many stations carry up to 35% news proves that dropping the requirement wouldn’t lead to news disappearing off the radio and even if it did people who wanted news could still tune into RTE. On the top of the hour virtually every station (the exception being lyric who sensibly do news on the half hour) is broadcasting the same thing. wheres the choice there ? Some of the material which is used to fill the quota on some stations stretches the definition of "news and current affairs" to ridiculous levels and its particularly farcical that even specialist "MUSIC" stations have to comply especially since an ALL-NEWS station has been licensed (on a valuable FM frequency to the exclusion of future specialist music stations to boot) Surely QUALITY of news coverage is more important than quality ?

luther arkwright Posted - 7 August 2001 20:40 While there is a mandatory 20% news quota, one gets the impression that commercial stations want news on the hour because people like to hear the news and it's often one of the reasons people turn on the radio, because they want to know what's happening or to check the weather or sports..as such it's primarily a listener grabber. But if you're going to have news, make your own, if you listen to a local station outside of Dublin, you listen surely because it's your local station and in this context alot of local stories are of as much or more interest than some national stories. Why don't more local stations have more local news..because INN is cheaper. News is one of the areas that make RTE worthwhile. When the IRA made their recent announcement, and you'd listened to INN there weren't too many places on the dial you could go to hear more, i know I changed channels. And that's what PSB radio is for. Of course if you don't want to hear news, it's a pain in the arse, even worse when they give it to you on the quarter hour. But would our radio listening be lessened if the only place we could hear news was RTE, Lyric and 2FM, i think so. Commercial stations are just that, commercial primarily interested in profit (nought wrong with that), secondly they want to provide a service to their listeners, but because the airwaves belong to the people (hence one of the reasons for regulation by the state- that and control), i think stations should be obliged to provide news. Just some thoughts Luther Edited by - luther arkwright on 8/7/01 8:41:48 PM

DeargDoom Posted - 7 August 2001 20:55 The 20% news and current affairs ratio is just another problem thats killing Irish radio. Its not necessary - the only reason that it was put in place was because politicians like the sound of their own voices.

aphextwin Posted - 7 August 2001 21:0 One reason we have independent radio, is so we don't have to depend on RTE for news and entertainment. To get rid of the 20% news quota on ILR stations, is to row back on that principle of Choice. A democracy needs an alternative news gathering vehicle. I'd argue that INN are infact not really giving RTE a run for it's money. INN needs more cutting edge investigative journalism, to off set the stories RTE carry, and to steel a march on them. I believe that TV3 have succeeded in this respect. If the 20% quota was abolished then urban stations in particular would not put as much time, effort and resources into news gathering. City dwellers would then be left with only RTE stations. The point made earlier about local stations providing parocial news is true. And this is the sign of how Independent Radio in Ireland has been a success, in rural areas at least. We need to keep the 20% quota, and maybe even push INN to ptovide harder news stories. One last point. It might be considered unnecessary to have the 20% quota on Dublin stations when rolling news station, Newstalk, comes on stream. But wouldn't that be unfair on the rural stations. They would be operating on an unlevel playing pitch. I'd feel sorry for the stations in the greater Pale area (LMFM, CKR, EastCoast) who would have to compete with the Dublin Juteboxes and still have to provide the 20% quota. The quota stays.

DeargDoom Posted - 7 August 2001 21:47 What has helped save East Coast/CKR/LMFM from the 'Dublin Jukeboxes' (an incredibly patronising phrase) is the fact that they do so much local news. Therefore if the Dub stations were to drop some talk content, the other Leinster stations would not suffer. You also make assumptions that people are inherently stupid and so they need news and current affairs shoved down their throats. Sadly, that approach didn't work for the Irish language and it won't work for current affairs. Its that leg****ry civil servant mentality of giving people whats 'good for them' rather than what they might actually enjoy. If Newstalk does go to air, then whats the point of still having such a large percentage of talk on the existing Dublin stations?

aphextwin Posted - 8 August 2001 1:37 Dearg, You have your opinion. And I respect that, and respect many of your posts on this board, but I don't see how I assume people are inherently stupid. I don't think that at all. I have respect for all opinions, and none. But news is important. And the more view points we get on it the better. This board is an example of that: Many Views, many styles (Sorry Ollie!) Besides, why should the likes of RTE and Newstalk divert resources away from other valued programme elements, to make up for any loss of news input from the Urban music stations if the 20% quota is dropped? Your comment about the civil servant mentality is interesting. Mmmm

The Ghost Of FMC Posted - 8 August 2001 7:58 You've got to remember why the 20% quota was introduced in the first place. In 1988 Dublin's big 2 commercial (pirate) stations Sunshine & Super Q ran NO news. When Ray Burke was drawing up guidelines for the IRTC he didn't want the new services to be "wall-to-wall" pop stations so imposed a 20% quota, half of which was to run between 7am and 7pm. I agree that this is the single biggest handicap for a music station and remember Pierre Doyle's comments on RTE at the time when he said that it would be like McDonalds setting up in Dublin and being asked to put a 20% quota of Irish Stew on their menu in order to get a franchise!! Interestingly though, Today FM have the shortest Top-of-Hour news bulletins of any Dublin-based station .... and their license calls for 30 minutes of speech every half hour!! So there must be some way round it!

JAMESDEANE Posted - 8 August 2001 11:22 THIRTY MINUTES OF SPEECH EVERY HALF-HOUR? I DONT THINK SO! THE NEWS REQUIRMENT IS ABSOLUTLY ESSENTIAL, MOST MD's WOULD LOVE TO SCRAP THE MOST EXPENSIVE ASPECT OF PROGRAMMING AND JUST TAKE INN, AS FOR THE CKR's AND EAST COAST's THEY WENT WRONG WHEN THEY TRIED TO TAKE ON THE DUBLIN STATIONS INSTEAD OF STAYING LOCAL,THEY ONLY HAVE THEMSELVES TO BLAIM, WHILST IT MAY NOT ALWAYS BE FASHIONABLE STAYING LOCAL MAKES JNLR FIGURES MORE ATTRACTIVE, ANYONE IN THE BUSINESS WOTH THEIR SALT WILL TELL YOU THAT.

Hack Posted - 8 August 2001 11:36 I agree with JamesDeane (you can stop shouting now), CKR especially ruined itself by trying to take on the Dublin market. However, news on stations outside the Pale is a vital local resource, the station I work for is heavily committed to news and current affairs - the morning magazine programme is the top rated show by quite some margin and that's two hours of non-stop talk. As well as that its managed to right a few wrongs in its time and once an issue is highlighted there's usually a swift reaction from the powers that be. As for INN, the less said the better, a very poor service being run on a shoestring.

Hoochy Posted - 8 August 2001 14:22 I don't agree that INN is a poor service. It provides an unrivalled service with a contact in a newsroom in every county in the country. That said however, a few of the 'casters aren't that great to read and could be shown the road. I pity smaller stations who have to come up with 20%news. Very often you'll hear a half of hour of crap just so it constitutes a percentage of their required quotient.

Mike Posted - 8 August 2001 20:13 A lot of people are suggesting that scrapping the 20% news requirement would lead to EVERY station dropping ALL news coverage. If this is the case how come 1) In countries where there is no such requirement most commercial stations still carry some news (some even adapt an "all news" format and dont go screaming "unfair disadvantage" when other stations dont carry news) 2) In Ireland many stations carry much more than the statutory 20% suggesting that they are quite happy to be doing this and wouldn’t stop if the requirement were lifted

The Ghost Of FMC Posted - 8 August 2001 21:50 "THIRTY MINUTES OF SPEECH EVERY HALF-HOUR? I DONT THINK SO!" If you check out Radio Ireland's license, its for 50% speech content ie. 30 minutes of every hour! This was NOT re-negotiated when the station re-launched as Today FM, so the quota still stands. Odd that the IRTC have never tried to enforce it ... or is it because they can't afford for the third attempt at national commercial radio station to go the way of the other 2!

Radio Mad Posted - 8 August 2001 23:31 The various points expressed on this subject make for interesting reading and merit further debate. Obliging stations to commit 20% of their broadcasting time to talk just isn't right, in my opinion. RTÉ's public service remit is to give us ample coverage of news and current affairs. They should be given the money and resources to ensure this happens. And if it doesn't heads should roll. I believe there is a role for more than one voice, and to this end, I suggest that licence fee money be given to independent broadcasters willing to put a serious effort into providing quality talk radio. This frees up the music stations to do what they do best, and that is playing music their audience want to hear - without the interruption of news very hour. This change in radio structure would ensure better choice for all, giving people the opportunity to listen to what they want to listen to when they want to listen to it. It would also mean the more public service programming, more expensive to produce than all music, would still be available to those who want it. I am a self-confessed news junkie, but object to stations being forced by statute to supply this service and people being forced to listen to it - expecially at top-of-the-hour time - if they don't want it.

eng Posted - 9 August 2001 1:20 "On the top of the hour virtually every station (the exception being lyric who sensibly do news on the half hour) " It is a pity it is not 2FM OR Today FM (but not both!) that has news on the half hour as is the case on BBC R1. I finish work at about 5 past 8PM. When I get in the car all 'newses' are over. I have to wait for 55 mins for another news cast by which time I am probably away from a radio again. (Due to its format Lyric only has a limited news service, with none at the evening AFAIK)

luther arkwright Posted - 9 August 2001 4:9 Broadcasters, regardless of whether they want to or whether they like it, should be required to have a certain % of news and current affairs coverage, 20% is clearly too much but given that people listen to stations all day long because they like what they hear in terms of music or talk, radio stations have a moral obligation, above and beyond finance or listeners, to provide news of what is going on locally, nationally and internationally. Commercial stations are making money from a public resource (namely the airwaves and should be obliged to provide a certain degree of public service broadcasting). I dont care if you don't like it, if you have no interest in news and if it looses you money. Broadcasters should not be allowed access to radio waves purely for their own profit. It doesn’t have to be 20 % but it must be part of a radio stations contract. A station is entitled to provide a music service not currently provided, but it also has an obligation and a responsibility to provide information that is important to their audience. Why?, because the airwaves are mine and your's and any regulation of the airwaves has to recognise that fact.

The Ghost Of FMC Posted - 9 August 2001 7:24 God preserve us from the community radio lobby!!

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JAMESDEANE Posted - 9 August 2001 11:9 HACK, INTERESTING TO HEAR YOUR INN COMMENT, I THNK ALL OF US WOULD AGREE, INN SHOULD BE THE BEST NEWS SERVICE IN THE COUNTRY, BUT ITS NOT, IT HAS AT LEAST TOW JOURNALISTS TO COVER EVERY COUNTY IN THE COUNTRY, BUT THEY ARE NOT UTILISING THE ADVANTAGE TO THE FULL, AS FOR THEIR READERS, THEY ARE JUST FINE, ONE NEEDS TO LOOK PAST GOOD VOICES ETC TO JUDGE NEWS, ITS ALL ABOUT THE CONTENT. IF INN COULD BOLSTER THEIR SERVICE IT WOULD BE GOOD FOR ALL, PERHAPS INN SHOOULD REEIVE FUNDING TO ASSIST THEM, GRANITNG EVERY STATION IN THE COUNTRY WOULD BE VERY EXPENSIVE ALTHOUGH £22 MILLION IS

NOW ONLY A DROP IN THE OCEA!

Mister807 Posted - 9 August 2001 13:42 I hate to have to disagree with the praise of INN here but I do think it has to be said. INN is a poor service, not just in terms of standards or lack of funding but more in terms of bad management, bad planning and most importantly bad use of the resources they have. How many stories do INN actually break in a year? Why hasn't INN attempted to do anything whatsoever that would make it at least appear to be a credible service? Lets face it, if there is something important going on newswise, people still switch to RTE (except in the summertime of course when the Mont**** exodus begins!). And now, there is the (admittedly slim) possibility that INN will be responsible for the lions share of the output of Newstalk 106. For an organisation that struggles to fill 5 minutes an hour with any sort of quality, filling 24 hours would be near impossible. The entire INN project needs to be brought back to the drawing board stage and started again. Then maybe we can have a credible news alternative in this country.

Hack Posted - 9 August 2001 13:47 I agree, and in addition would point out this... INN does f**k all to encourage people in the various local newsrooms to contribute. One day we offered them two stories (one a fatal RTA) and got a very ho hum response. That attitude meant we weren't that keen to spend time talking to them and feeding audio/voicers when we could be doing something more productive. At toher time sthey're only too keen to take stuff, but that's only when they're desperate. They have a few pet stations such as 96FM whom they call up all the time but the rest can go shag off. That's what we feel is the attitude, anyway. They need to get a head of news who's prepared to knock heads and get the reporters out chasing stories, not shadowing the press pack. The only ones who are bang on are Anne Cadwallader in Norn Iron and Deirdre Grant, who's a good catch from TV3. Rant over.

JAMESDEANE Posted - 9 August 2001 14:57 I AM NOT DEFENDING INN, NOT FOR A SECOND IN FACT I AGREE WITH THE TWO PREVIOUS POSTINGS, BUT LET US NOT FORGET THAT DEIRDRE GRANT LEFT INN PREVIOUSLY FOR TV(ROTATING DOOR SYNDROME)!!!THERE IS MUCH DEBATE HOW SHE MADE THE POST OF POL COR, OTHERS IN HOUSE WERE MUTED!!!A POINT IN CASE OF INN's ATTITUDE IS THAT SINCE D.GRANT WAS APPOINTED TO THE POST SHE HAS NEVER CONTACTED THIS NEWSROOM OR SPOKE TO ANY OF OUR TEAM!ITS TIME INN LEFT THE D4 ATTITUDE BEHIND AND REMEMBERED THAT THEY ARE SUPPLYING A NEWS SERVICE TO THE COUNTRY AND JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE BASED IN DUBLIN DOES NOT MEAN THAT U FORGET ABOUT THE OTHER COUNTIES, IN FACT I WONDER HOW MANY DUBLIN PEOPLE KNOW WHAT INN ACTUALLY IS!

Radio Mad Posted - 9 August 2001 15:2 I have to disagree with the 'shove it down their throats' point-of-view expressed by Luther. We are living in what's supposed to be a democracy, and with that comes the very fundamental right that allows us freedom to choose what we want out of radio - be it talk, mucic or a combination of both - without people forcing their opinions on others. This sort of attitude is very dangerous and smacks of intolerance and narrowmindedness. Don't get me wrong, I am a firm advocate of public service broadcasting, but think it should be provided by a suffiently resourced national station and independents - maybe a revamped INN - who are also financed from licence fee funds. By changing the face of radio in this regard, it should help to enhance broadcasters who are serious about providing good quality news and current affairs, and allow those not interested in this area to drop their half-hearted attempts at providing top-of-the-hour bulletins.

Hoochy Posted - 9 August 2001 19:8 Hack, what a pleasure to hear that you too have the same problems with INN. Ok there is some stuff that needs to be ironed out. I think Ann Cadwallader is great and Noel Fogarty is a great reader, however their attitude stinks. Take the " pet stations " jibe, I agree completely. They too were offered 2 good stories from us, however, they turned them down. I was a bit chuffed then to find out that what was offered to them blew up into a major national story and somebody was forced to eat humble pie. To be honest, they're not the type I'de fancy going for a pint with on a Friday evening.

JAMESDEANE Posted - 10 August 2001 11:15 HOOCHY, ITS FAST APPROACHING, THATS IT NOW DETAILS NEXT BULLETIN, HE IS DREADFUL GREAT VOICE, HE NEEDS A SERIOUS KICK IN THE AR*E, HE HIS FAR TO TABLOIDISH FOR LOCAL RADIO AND NEEDS TO GET HIMSELF TOGETHER, NOT A BAD FELLOW THOUGH AND I QUITE LIKE HIM, I AGREE THEY ARE NOT THE KIND ONE WOULD LIKE TO GO OUT WITH, THEIR HEADS ARE TOO FAR UP THEIR AR*E TO DRINK A PINT ANYWAY!!!!!

Hoochy Posted - 10 August 2001 11:23 Point taken! I agree that a lot of the news output is tabloidish and alarmist! e.g ... " and we go to some breaking news, " there we are waiting for reports of a huge bomb somewhere, " the inflation figures blah blah blah ! " you would be deflated after that. INN has great resources so it's a pity it's not as good as it could be. That said though it's not completely awful.

JAMESDEANE Posted - 10 August 2001 14:7 TRANSCRIPT OF AN INN BULLETIN:-'AND WE GO STRAIGHT TO SOME BREAKING NEWS, THE INLFATION RATE IS UP BY 0.0012%, ASSESSING THE SITUATION IS OUR POL COR DEIRDRE GRANT . . . GARY CONNELLY OF CANADA LIFE SAYS IT WAS TO BE EXPECTED . . . . THESE PEOPLE ON THE STREETS OF DUBLIN(WHERE WE HAVE A MINORITY LISTNERSHIP) SAY THEY DONT THINK THEY CAN GO ON . . . . NOW TO THE REST OF TODAYS NEWS, THREE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN KILLED IN A ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN CORK TODAY, A BOMB EXPLODED IN GALWAY CITY KILLING EIGHT PEOPLE AND GEORGE W BUSH HAS DIED AFTER BEEN SHOT BY MILITANTS ON A VISIT TO ISRAEL'!!!!! THATS HOW TO PRIORITISE YOUR NEWS, I WONDER FOR HOW MANY MORNINGS NEXT WEEK INN's TOP STORY WONT BE THE FRONT OF THE INDO, TIMES OR EXAMINER, CHECK IT OUT! WE NEED TO DEPLOY TEN PEOPLE FROM LOCAL NEWSROOMS TO INN AND ALLOCATE A SIZABLE SLICE OF FUNDING, THEN WE MAY SEE AN IMPROVED INN, THE QUESTION IS WOULD YOU MOVE TO DUBLIN FOR £22-25,000 A YEAR, I KNOW I WOULDNT.

Radio Mad Posted - 10 August 2001 14:57 I'd like to ask those in the know about these things: Who owns INN? My understanding is that it was originally set-up by FM104 & 98FM with the intention of networking news services to local stations around the country. I vaguely remember the head of news at the time (can't remember his name) proclaiming how good the service was going to be. Extended bulletins, in-depth reporting, national, international and local/regional news were all to feature in this new exciting independent radio service for Ireland. Sadly, all we got was a glorified top-of-the-hour news service. Local stations should take it upon themselves to press INN for improvements to the service, and if this isn't forthcoming, there is nothing stopping them from withdrawing from the news network. Surely, Today FM, could offer much the same service currently on offer from INN, at vastly reduced prices.

JAMESDEANE Posted - 10 August 2001 15:53 WE OWN THEM, BUT THEN WE ARE ONLY INDIANS AND THE CHEIFS CALL THE SHOTS!MOST LOCALS HAVE A SHARE IN INN, INTERESTING COMMENT RADIOMAD, TODAY FM HAD OFFERED A SIMIALAR SERVICE TO SOME LOCALS AT ALMOST HALF THE PRICE, BUT U WOULDNT HAVE THE WIRE SERVICE ON THEIR NEWS AND FROM A TECH VIEW IT WOULD BE A NITEMARE, ISDN OR WHATEVER, POSSIBLY LEASE LINES BUT THAT WOULD SURGE THE COST ALMOST TWICE OF THAT OF INN, WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO LOOK AT TODAY FM AS AN ALTERNATIVE, INN ARE BEING PAID TO DO A JOB AND THEY ARE NOT DOING IT WELL.

countryboy Posted - 10 August 2001 15:55 have you ever heard of anyone successful having worked in inn!

JAMESDEANE Posted - 10 August 2001 15:55 ALAN CANTWELL, COLM O'CALLAGHAN TO NAME BUT TWO!

Radio Presenter Posted - 10 August 2001 17:21 Andrew Hanlon !

turiel Posted - 10 August 2001 17:52 The fact is that many people do not *want* to listen to news. Why should we be forced to listen to a station which has %20 news content? I don't believe there should be any government regulation as to the content of stations (beyond the specified content when making a license application). Program Directors (I would hope) know what is best to keep their listeners. If that means less news, then no loss! If you want to hear news, listen to some station that does carry it. As it is, I dont have a choice if I want to listen to a station which does NOT have news (besides for pirates obviously). If all pirates were gone tomorrow, I probably wouldn't listen to any of the Dublin stations regularly due to the fact that there's not enough music.

luther arkwright Posted - 10 August 2001 18:16 I'd have thought working for a nationally syndicated news service would be the very definition of "successful", so let me add the names Ann Cadwalleder, Jerry O Connor, Oliver Callan (and no, I don't nor have I ever worked with, drank with or slept with anyone in INN).

JAMESDEANE Posted - 11 August 2001 18:9 OLIVER WHO?!!!THATS MY MAIN POINT INN NEEDS CREDIT, IT HAS DIFFERENT PEOPLE REPORTING ON THE SAME STORIES EVERY WEEK, THERE IS NO CONSISTENCY IN THE SERVICE THEY PROVIDE, ITS WORSE THAN TV3, IF YOU GIVE SOMEONE A STORY ALLOW THEM TO FOLLOW IT THROUGH.AS FOR THE COMMENT ABOUT NOT WANTING TO LISTEN TO NEWS, JUST BUY A CD CHANGER FOR YOUR CAR!!!

turiel Posted - 12 August 2001 18:47 You're missing my point. I want to listen to live radio. What I do not want to listen to is news. Just because I don't want to listen to news does that mean I should stick to playing my cds? I certainly hope not!

Mike Posted - 12 August 2001 21:0 I actually listen to the news quite a lot (I have RTE R1, BBC radio Ulster and BBC R 4 preset on my car radio) but I dont think commercial stations should be FORCED to carry so much news particularly in multi station markets

Radio Mad Posted - 14 August 2001 0:9

Forums | Legal Radio | Cork 96FM's RDS station name Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

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F3E Posted - 6 August 2001 14:53 The station name (PS) on RDS for Cork's 96FM currently is " 96FM " I wonder did they ever consider using "Cork96FM" for the RDS name instead?? The word 'Cork' can fit in as there are only 4 out of the 8 available character spaces utilised at the moment. One thinks "Cork96FM" would look more eyecatching!

Bob@Acts Posted - 6 August 2001 15:35 In my neck of the woods, the use of the RDS ID has changed from simple ID purposes to interesting Radio text! Words change every ten seconds and its mainly used for brief messages like current song name, traffic and weather.

countryboy Posted - 6 August 2001 20:4 MOVING TEXT ON RDS IS ILLEGAL AND GETS ONE IN BIG SH*T, ALTHOUGH ALOT OF NORTHERN PIRATES ARE DOING IT

Bob@Acts Posted - 6 August 2001 21:56 It might be illegal where you are.... its certainly not illegal not where I am. In case you are unaware, RTÉ also used to test the idea of radio text, on an alternating station name/Tx location (2fm/Dublin) basis. The use of moving text has been argued by some as a dangerous distraction to car drivers, but in reality it is far less dangerous than the use of navigation systems, mobiles, or even smoking behind the wheel. p.s. WHATS WITH THE CAPITALS??!!?? is this some new silly trend?? Edited by - Bob@Acts on 8/7/01 6:13:13 AM

Sperminator Posted - 12 August 2001 16:2 but have you noticed that the 96fm text does'nt come up in the centre of your display in your car radio , its more off centre. They can't even get that right?!

Manderley Posted - 12 August 2001 23:9 Has any noticed that FM104's RDS flashes up an "S" every so often? I think this must be something to do with the old "Superstars of the 80's & 90's" that they used to scroll about 5 years ago. Whichever engineer removed this must have missed a frame hence the "S" pops up for a micro second. You'll have to really stare at the display for about 3 minutes and then you'll see it.

Fire Extinguisher Posted - 14 August 2001 4:7 Would this staring be encouraged for drunk Taxi-goers @ 3am of a Sunday morning? By "Super" FM104,are Hume house harking back to the "SUPERQ102" days?

Forums | Legal Radio | ALL ABOARD- departing the 2FM Radio Centre.. Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

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Enrique Iglesias Posted - 1 July 2001 17:1 watch out for a departure from 'The Big Station' over the next few couple of weeks...just shows that one thing that probably isn't lite is the pay!

Enrique Iglesias Posted - 29 July 2001 17:3 Edited by - Enrique Iglesias on 29/07/01 17:04:46

Radio Nova Posted - 29 July 2001 18:22 Any clues?

80s man Posted - 30 July 2001 10:38 OK, if someone is leaving(I presume going to Lite), its gotta be one of the following.... Simon Young, Gerry Wilson, Aidan Leonard...if it is one of these, it will be a shame, as they all are fine jocks who have been with 2 FM for close on 15 years now... Or it could be Michael Cahill.......

countryboy Posted - 31 July 2001 14:39 NOT CAHILL, HE TALKS TO MUCH!!!!!

Enrique Iglesias Posted - 31 July 2001 18:48 What a bore is Cahill- oh jesus! He talks sooo.....slowwwwwwly.....and really does reduce ye to tears! The best thing Clarkey ever did was take the gimp off weekdays! As for the other bore O'Callaghan......if he screams down the radio one more time "welcome into Ireland's most listened afternoon show......ok" I really will kill him! What a big-headed **** and I wouldn't mind but he's only number one cause there's nothing else out there!!!

Kelly Jones Posted - 31 July 2001 19:29 As an ex radio hero of mine in his old Nova giuse it really is sad to to hear how bad Garreth has gone. I don't mean that in a bad way as I still think he can get back to his old self someday, but now I have to reach for the dial when he starts rambling. As to who would suit a transfar from mont**** to Lite??? Hmmmmmm >>>>>> I'd have to go with Simon or Gerry too.

Sperminator Posted - 31 July 2001 22:41 Gerry Wilson : cos he has a pain in his rocks probably doing overnights etc?

80s man Posted - 1 August 2001 10:11 as far as I can see g.wilson is one of the most under rated jocks on Irish radio for the last 10-15 years he has been on 2FM, he just has not got chance to prove this lately since the overnites have been automated, which in fact they don`t do anymore..what they have on overnites now is 2FM replay..the best bits overnite...what a daft idea...once is enough. O`Callaghan is a good jock.much better than p.cawley on today fm, who just loves to hear his own voice..so fake!

Bob@Acts Posted - 1 August 2001 10:50 I disagree that GoC is a good jock, He was in his Energy & Q days - but recently the stuff coming out of his mouth would be enough to fertilise most of Europe!

Fire Extinguisher Posted - 1 August 2001 13:2 I really enjoyed Gareth on Millennium,Q,NRG103,2FM (first time around) and he even had some good shows on RTE Radio1. I think they should have left him there and developed an easy listening afternoon gig for a couple of hours there on ole Radio1 for him. Steve Wright is somebody Gareth reminds me of - but currently I would listen to Steve in favour of Gareth. Remember Gareth was very tight AND funny on NOVA. A BBC Radio2 service needs to be developed here - it's one of the best stations on the Dial in the UK and their figures say that. Michael Cahill,go and do a fast again mate. - except this time you can eat! it's just a "speech and babble" fast this time. Someone who listens to 2FM in their place of work all week recently commented to me HOW MUCH YOU'D MISS LARRY's voice (during "The KID's" fill in time) It's amazing how a simple thing like this can annoy SO MANY ordinary folks.Perhaps he reckons he's still doing continuity for RTE TV. I'd love to have heard him do a 5 second personality link up to the vocal!!! (NOT!) If you find out the average age of the 2FM jock (mainstream) and then subtract that from their target audience age group (basically work out how much older the jocks are compared to their target listeners - youths) - you should find a similar problem that Matthew Bannister did in 1993 in 1993 when he inherited Johhny Beerling's BBC Radio FabFM. What they discovered was that the jocks were out of touch with the audience now tuning in. DLT had been there for 20 years plus and others had similar stretches!! Youth is 2FM's brief. BBC Radio1 has a "social conscience" 2FM has news on the hour! BBC R1 has programmes catering for a wide variety of musical genres. 2FM gives us "HITRADIO" BBC radio one run FREE dance events all over their TSA. BBC Radio 1 hold information weeks about Sexual awareness, drugs, exam helplines and other student/youth issues. 2FM have loadsa adbreaks. Dickie bow radio is how I would describe 2FM - they're all just sitting back lazily out there. Hope you take note lads

Bob@Acts Posted - 1 August 2001 13:52 RTÉ have always been pathetic in their efforts to create an „irish version" of anything..... do you really think they could do any better with an Irish version of BBC Radio ?!? I think not! If they ever did try imitating Radio 2 , or indeed any other BBC station, the nit-pickers would be out in their millions. The way forward for RTÉ lies not in hopelessly trying to be like others -no matter how good one might think the others are- Rather, their future would be more secure if they finally tried to establish their own identity

Arnold Posted - 1 August 2001 14:7 Firstly, I agree that we should try to be original not copyists, chance would be a fine thing. Secondly we have an Irish version of BBC Radio 2, namely 2FM, other than a few token bits and bobs for the young people of Ireland it targets the same demographic

80s man Posted - 1 August 2001 15:27 Seriously, if 2FM did become a BBC radio1 type station-it would not suit the Irish people-they are not used to listening to new music- the English can do this in their millions-the Irish would listen to a station like 1FM in their hundreds/thousands it just wouldn`t work- young people in Ireland are either in school, college or work during the day- the 21-40 yr olds that do listen to 2FM now would have no interest at all....the UK youth are all unemployed anyway, they have free time to listen to 1FM/new music 2FM won`t and can`t change.......and if it does change, it will lose both $$$$$$ and listeners. The Irish don`t like change

keyboard Posted - 1 August 2001 22:16 Just read this topic, and does anyone have anything constructive to say? Looks like the ususal has-been DJ's, with the usual chips on your shoulder. Let me guess did 2FM and Today FM, and any other decent station, all put your demo's in the bin straight away!!! They probably didn't even ring you back!!! Awah.....what a pity...radio has lost out!

Tower of Power Posted - 2 August 2001 6:30 Most of the comments so far have been at least more constructive than yours, keyboard. PS there’s more than just DJ's out here!

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Forums | Legal Radio | ALL ABOARD- departing the 2FM Radio Centre.. Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

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statto Posted - 2 August 2001 11:47 There's more to 2FM than Gareth and Michael Cahill. Gerry Ryan delivers the most relevant talk show to the under 30 audience on any station. Just listen to it some day instead of constantly ridiculing it. Also, look at his numbers - Nearly half a million people a day can't be wrong, and they are not all geriatric. Then there's the Dance stuff. How many hours of live sets do they record and broadcast. Any 'ol station can send a jock to Ibiza and have them talk down an ISDN line for the price of a phone call. Who does that serve ? The jock or the listener ? True, they could do more. BBC Radio 1 may provide more under 25 orientated programmes, but do any of their show hit the same share of G Ryan ? I think not. Finally, age does not make the jock. It wasn’t that long ago that this site was lamenting the loss of Simon Mayo. What age is he then ? What station was he on then ? What age are Mark & Lard, John Peel and Pete Tong ? Tong is 40 and I don't think that anyone would argue that he is too old to be playing the tunes that he does. If the jock is good enough and is in touch with his audience then age shouldn't come into it.

DeargDoom Posted - 2 August 2001 20:35 Tune into Gerry Ryan some day. He doesn't have listeners under 30. He was exciting and relevant in 1988. Now he talks about cookery and gardening (and his audience may well be interested in those topics as they've grown older with 2FM). Larry Gogan? People slag him off, but I like him. Hes a straight forward music jock. Gareth? Whats with the Lite FM format and audio? I heard him play "Guitarman" by Bread yesterday while RTE Radio ONE(!) played a current r'n'b tune. Whats that about? The dance shows are not well produced (is it true that Timmys walked?). Boy George? I rest my case there. The dance shows are there because they are considered trendy, despite the fact that dance culture peaked about 6 years ago. Nobody who joins RTE ever improves. Looking through lists of 2FM jocks over the years, the majority lose their spark once they get there. That blood sucking organisation takes it out of them. There are some talented people in the radio centre but RTE is an institution where mediocrity rules the day.

Sperminator Posted - 2 August 2001 22:30 I have to Agree with alot of what Dearg has to say .........most jocks whpo join 2fm disimprove it seems. Gareth O C was hot on Nova etc and the rest but not now.......more BORING......today he was on about how fascinating it was that the amount of bacteria that gathers on yer Pc keyboard is paramount to the amount of bacteria on your Toilet seat........NOW , this to me is not facinating but more Boring and Typical of his current show , and as for the first link every day just after he arrives on air with him singing along with his crapppppy 80's sounding theme tune......so cheeeeeesy.....! Fu;K!.........John clarke , you brainless gombeen , for letting all of this happen. And as for the dance and R'n b show , Crap! Enuf said on those eh.....! The only jock who has kept himself hot on 2 on dusty and rick at the moment. Long may it continue. 2fm , a waste of space....... They have it handy!

sq Posted - 3 August 2001 3:8 You forgot also, Ruth Scott. Personally - I think a Virgin Radio format would suit "THE BIG STATION" with modifications like a chat show (GRYAN) an advice show like the Sunday Surgery on BBC Radio 1 (RSCOTT) plus a dance show, an R'n'B show with someone who actually has an interest in it and not what the charts reflect (eh Wes?) See his webpage? Hang with my Bitches & Homies? They're so yesterday (BAD CLICHÉ) - (IRONY) or (SATIRICAL). And what is that muppet McCaul doin in the mornings - give it to GWILSON. HAV A GOOD 1!

Enrique Iglesias Posted - 4 August 2001 1:20 To 'Statto' I might make the point that any station broadcasting from Ibiza via ISDN would not just have someone talking- the full show would come from the resort. It makes for a change...ironically, anyone can get a recording of a dance set- Ministry of Sound sell them to stations even!!! Huge numbers of Irish people go on foreign holidays each year so why would they not be interested in hearing a week of shows from a holiday venue??? It's a new idea for here and it's simply because it's 104 doing it and not 2FM, that you're knocking it...

The Big Kahuna 2001 Posted - 6 August 2001 8:34 Back to the point of the thread >>>>>>>> Who is leaving the "big station" for Grandad FM?

Radio Presenter Posted - 11 August 2001 12:45 Funny how this thread went quiet when someone was clever enough to bring it back on track! Rumours rumours.........

squod Posted - 12 August 2001 2:37 good luck to whoever it is , I used to quite like Lite . for all of you who say 2FM should change , ok.

Radio Presenter Posted - 12 August 2001 18:57 Ok I take back the rumours rumours bit. I heard Gerry Wilson on the late show last night! In such an intimate environment, I thought he sounded awful. He lacked the skill of sounding natural and one to one. He's in bad need of coaching. Having come from 2FM, that'll be a new experience for him!!!!!!!!!

Radio Mad Posted - 14 August 2001 0:26 Dearg Doom made a good point about RTÉ1 and 2FM playing similar songs at the same time. Take a listen to Pat Kenny and Gerry Ryan (are they still on holidays)and count the number of times they cover the same items as one another on the same day.In fact, more often than not they'll run them simultaneously. I've always questioned the wisdom of having two talk shows such as these going out at the same time. Where's the choice there? Give RTÉ more money to overhaul its Radio 1 and TV 1 services and privatise 2FM and Network 2.

Hoochy Posted - 14 August 2001 10:32 2FM is jaded tired. There is no adventurous streak whatsoever left for such a " BIG " station. I so agree that some of the djs haven't the slightest shade of interest in their shows. RnB is as hot as devil **** right now but what do 2FM do, they take the commercial, and abandon the REAL. In fairness, I've mentioned already on this board about my liking for Tony Fenton, this is basically because he makes no apologies for the way he turns into Top Jock Mid-Atlantic Mode when he's on air. Fair play to him, he's slick and deserves the praise. 2FM need to find the passion again.

Forums | Legal Radio | NEW RADIO LICENCE TO BE ADVERTISED FOR MID-ULSTE Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

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djmac Posted - 9 August 2001 22:16 I READ IN THE UKRADIO.COM WEBSITE THAT THE RADIO AUTHORITY ARE GOING TO ADVERTISE FOR A LICENCE FOR MID-ULSTER AREA ( MAGHERAFELT-COOKSTOWN AREAS) WHO WILL BE IN THE RUNNING FOR THESE LICENCES. Q102.9FM,MAGIC105,KISS106,ENERGY106,RADIO MID A CONSORTIUM FROM THE MID-ULSTER AREA SOMEWHERE. ANYONE ELSE HAVE ANY IDEAS WHO IS IN THE RUNNING.

countryboy Posted - 10 August 2001 11:10 HIGHLAND

Whippet Boy Posted - 10 August 2001 12:39 who cares ?

MAGICIAN Posted - 10 August 2001 15:0 We would like to be but it looks like the signal could be as poor as the old 828, we are thinking about it and may go for Craigavon.....if it ever comes up. We have investors ready to move.

Megawatts Posted - 10 August 2001 18:45 its a sown up job:- Frankie got Omagh, so JR could get Craigavon... on 25watts from the hospital mast... the stations will all sound the same, playing the same generic oldies and "safe" "hit parade" junk, not offending, or entertaining anyone... yawn.

NEWCOMER Posted - 12 August 2001 3:2 Mid-Northwest radio??

djmac Posted - 14 August 2001 20:21 WHAT DO YOU MEAN MID-NORTHWEST RADIO?. WHO GOING TO RUN THAT?

Forums | Legal Radio | Where is Simon Young ? Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

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Cork_listener Posted - 14 August 2001 13:54 Does anyone know what's happened to him ? Haven't heard him on Irelands biggest jukebox for a good few weeks now.....

80s man Posted - 14 August 2001 17:27 its a shame if he has left 2 FM Will Leahy is still acknowledging his absence.........Im sure he will be back one of the best........

Greg Browne Posted - 14 August 2001 22:18 met him once really nice guy, lets hope he gets back to radio soon! Edited by - greg browne on 8/14/01 10:20:42 PM

Radio Mad Posted - 14 August 2001 23:49 I like his style and corny jokes. His oldies show on Sunday was always a more enjoyable listen than Today FM's. I remember meeting him in the studios of Big D Radio in the late 70's which, at the time, was over the snooker Hall in Camden Street. Jesus, it hurts to think that was over 20 years ago. Ouch!!

Forums | Legal Radio | LITE FM News Post Reply Send Topic To a Friend

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Macalla Posted - 12 August 2001 11:27 Anyone noticed the dumbing down of Lite Fm News? Then again, does anyone really care? Certainly not LITE FM's Directorate/Management whose chief concern (strangely enough) is making money.

The Ghost Of FMC Posted - 12 August 2001 12:54 Odd that, considering that LITE are a COMMERCIAL station who has to make money in order to survive! This isn't RTE ya know.

Spank the Monkey Posted - 12 August 2001 15:53 Well running a business is all about making a profit as we all know and have been affected in one form or another in this industry for years now , but i have to say , lite is sounding a bit wishy washy at the moment. comments anyone?

DeargDoom Posted - 12 August 2001 17:49 Can you give us any evidence that Lite FM are 'dumbing down' their news? What makes you think that? Let us know.

Big Bottom Posted - 12 August 2001 23:12 they've cut back big-time on their news staff. They're in no big hurry to find a replacement for Breda Brown and several of the newsreaders who were promised the sun, moon and stars by Block have now been told that they will not be getting contracts. They also intend to take INN in the evening now instead of their own news and I assume that this means that weekend news will be cut back too.

greg Posted - 13 August 2001 2:27 If you had checked fully you have noticed that not only have Lite fm started taking INN news from 8pm but they have extended the duration of nearly all of their own bulletins throughout the day. Lite fm is not a news agency they are quite simply providers of the news, and whether they choose to provide their listeners with news direct from their studios in Glenageary or via satellite from INN in mount street is an issue for them and not their critics. No radio could possibly satisfy everyone all of the time!

greg Posted - 13 August 2001 2:30 When Big Bottom says Lite fm cut back on their news staff "BIG TIME" what does he mean. Who exactly is missing from the airwaves?

Hack Posted - 13 August 2001 14:1 I haven't heard anything about news staff cutbacks and I know a few people in there. Anyway, what's the hassle with using INN at night? Cuts back on costs and is mainly a Dublin/Cork news service anyway.

neil kavanagh Posted - 15 August 2001 10:38

Edited by - neil kavanagh on 8/15/01 2:05:20 PM