Ireland

Independent radio broadcasters are urging the Irish Government to use the forthcoming Budget to protect democracy and tackle the spread of disinformation.

In a Pre-Budget Submission, the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) said fair and balanced journalism on independent radio is a crucial defence against misinformation and division spread online.
The IBI is seeking €4.5 million in funding to support independent radio stations across the country. This would represent less than 1.4 per cent of total media funding currently provided by the Exchequer.
Chief Executive Michael Kelly said the proposals were about fairness and resilience. “At a time of risk to democracy and social cohesion through misinformation and disinformation on social media and web platforms, there has never been a greater need for the trusted, accurate and balanced news and current affairs services which Ireland’s independent radio stations provide,” he said.
Michael added that radio journalists play a unique role in real-time fact-checking and providing citizens with accurate information unaffected by online algorithms. He said the Government now had an opportunity to create a level playing field in regulation and funding, echoing recent calls from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to strengthen support for independent and local media.
The IBI proposals include three key measures. Firstly, to continue the €3 million ringfenced funding introduced this year for public service journalism on independent radio. Secondly, to create a €1.5 million Capital and Critical Infrastructure Fund to maintain vital transmission systems relied upon during severe weather and national emergencies. Finally, to ringfence 30 per cent of all Sound & Vision Scheme funding for independent radio content, which the IBI says would carry no additional cost.
The organisation says these measures are necessary to prevent the development of news deserts in Ireland and to ensure that trusted local radio journalism remains a cornerstone of democratic life.

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Former Communicorp CEO Ciaran Davis has announced he will step down as CEO and Managing Director of ARN on 15 January 2026.
He will be succeeded by current Chief Operating Officer Michael Stephenson.
Davis has led ARN through major shifts including the launch of iHeartRadio, the sale of Adshel, investment into Soprano Design, and the high-profile recruitment of Kyle & Jackie O from SCA.
Davis, who was born in Ireland, began his radio career at Dublin’s 98FM, eventually rising to the top executive ranks. After 98FM he joined Communicorp, where he served in senior commercial and operational roles, including as Chief Operating Officer from around 2007 to 2010.
He oversaw commercial operations across Communicorp’s radio assets in Europe and the Middle East before being appointed CEO of ARN in 2010.
He remained in that top role for 16 years, and in 2015 he also became CEO & Managing Director of parent company HT&E. Under his guidance, ARN repositioned itself as a leader in Australian metropolitan radio.
In his statement, Davis said: “It has been a privilege to lead ARN Media over the past 16 years, working alongside a talented and passionate team. With a clear transformation strategy in place and an excellent successor in Michael, I believe now is the right time to step aside.
“I want to sincerely thank the incredible people at ARN Media I’ve had the pleasure of working with, as well as the Board, our shareholders, and clients for their ongoing support.”
Hamish McLennan, Chair of the Board, added: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Ciaran for his outstanding leadership and commitment. Under his stewardship, ARN Media has navigated a rapidly changing media landscape and kept the company at the forefront of innovation.
“We are grateful for his vision and dedication.” He noted that “strong succession planning ensures continuity for the business” and described Michael as “the ideal candidate to drive the company forward through its next phase.”
Stephenson, who moved into the COO role earlier this year from a long career in media sales across major Australian networks, has been integrated into ARN’s transformation agenda and will work alongside Davis and the Board over coming months to ensure a smooth handover.
Observers have noted that Davis’s departure arrives amid regulatory pressure on ARN over the Kyle & Jackie O show (which was found to have breached decency and complaint-handling rules) and that the change may help the company respond to enforcement challenges.
With thanks for our friends at Radio Today Australia for the additional information. […]

Richard Shotton, Dr Lollie Mancey and Mike Follett will join this year’s Sounding Out conference in Dublin on Thursday, 16th October.

Hosted by broadcaster Sarah McInerney, the half-day event will take place at The Round Room at the Mansion House, running from 8:30am until 1pm.
Richard Shotton, author and behavioural scientist, will share his insights on decision-making and consumer behaviour, while anthropologist and innovation futurist Dr Lollie Mancey will focus on future trends shaping society and business. Mike Follett, CEO of Lumen Research, will reveal new Irish research examining how advertising captures attention.
Delegates will also hear exclusive findings from Radiocentre UK, with fresh analysis into the return on investment potential of digital audio. Sessions across the morning will explore the future of audio, new technologies, and how advertisers and agencies can make the most of emerging opportunities.

Radiocentre Ireland says the annual event continues to grow as a platform for debate and knowledge-sharing across the audio sector. Previous editions have attracted strong attendance, with this year’s line-up promising further insights from leading thinkers in media, marketing and research.
The conference is designed for brands, agencies and broadcasters interested in the business and creative potential of audio.
More information about Radiocentre Ireland and its activities can be found at radiocentreireland.ie. […]

Bay Broadcasting is preparing to launch Energy Dance on DAB across Dublin.
The new 24-hour station will broadcast from Bay’s headquarters at Castleforbes House in Dublin and deliver back-to-back club classics spanning from the early 1990s to today’s biggest anthems.
It is aimed at listeners aged between 25 and 60, with an initial focus on the Greater Dublin area before expanding nationwide in line with the rollout of DAB across Ireland.
Bay Broadcasting’s founders were part of the original pirate dance stations of the 1990s, including NSR Radio and KISS 103. That background is now being carried forward into the licensed digital era with the launch of Energy Dance.
Kevin Branigan, CEO of Bay Broadcasting, said: “We’re excited to be making broadcasting history with Energy Dance. We were there at the very beginning of dance radio in Ireland and it’s exciting to now return with a fully-licensed dance station on DAB.
“Our mission is simple: to celebrate the music that shaped generations and to bring a high-energy, non-stop soundtrack of club classics to Irish audiences nationwide.”
At launch, the service will be non-stop music, but live programmes are planned in the coming months. Energy Dance will be available on DAB, smart speaker, and online at EnergyDance.ie. The station will also be accessible via radio aggregator sites.
Bay Broadcasting already operates Radio Nova, Classic Hits Radio, Sunshine 106.8, and recently acquired Galway Bay FM. On digital, its portfolio includes Nova Classic Rock, Classic Hits 80s, Sunshine Soul, Nova 80s, and Nova Chill.
The arrival of Energy Dance strengthens this line-up and adds to Bay’s experimental work on the Failte DAB trial platform. […]

Radio broadcasters John Bowman, Fr. Brian D’Arcy and Scott Williams are to be inducted into the IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame this year.
Their achievements will be marked at a ceremony on Tuesday 30 September at the IMRO offices, ahead of the annual IMRO Radio Awards gala at the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny on Friday 3 October.
The Hall of Fame celebrates broadcasters who have left a lasting legacy on Irish radio. Chair of the IMRO Radio Awards, Chris Doyle, said the honour reflects “enduring excellence, passion, and dedication to the craft of broadcasting.”
John Bowman is a historian, journalist and long-time RTÉ broadcaster. He has covered politics and current affairs for over six decades, hosting programmes such as Day by Day, Today Tonight and Questions and Answers, while also presenting television documentaries and authoring books on Irish history and broadcasting. Since 1988 he has presented Bowman: Sunday 8.30 on RTÉ Radio 1, a reflective journey through the radio archives.
Fr. Brian D’Arcy is a familiar voice to audiences in Ireland and beyond, best known for his reflective music and conversation shows on BBC Radio Ulster, including Sunday with Brian D’Arcy. He has also presented on RTÉ and BBC Radio 2, combining his broadcasting work with over 50 years of writing, including a long-standing Sunday World column and several published books.
Scott Williams was the first voice heard on independent radio in Dublin when Capital Radio, later FM104, launched in 1989. Over his career he has been a presenter, Programme Director, Chief Executive and Group Content Director for Wireless Ireland, leading stations including FM104, Q102, U105 and Cork’s 96FM. His leadership roles included chairing both IBI and JNLR, helping to deliver initiatives such as the Irish Radioplayer app and the Choose Radio campaign.
Together, the three inductees represent a blend of public service journalism, spiritual and cultural connection, and innovation in independent radio. Their contributions highlight the diversity and strength of Irish broadcasting. […]

Radio Nova presenters PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe are once again leading The Dickie Dip, an annual men’s skinny dip in aid of men’s cancer care at Dublin’s Mater Hospital.
The Morning Glory hosts will join hundreds of men on Skerries beach on Saturday 8th November, calling on others to take part and raise funds. Since the event began in 2019, more than €600,000 has been raised for cancer services.
PJ, who first joined the dip last year, said: “If a few minutes in the Irish Sea can help raise awareness and funds for men’s cancer care, then we’ll happily strip off and dive back in. It’s cold, it’s mad, it’s a laugh – and it could save lives.”
Jim added: “The Dickie Dip is about more than just the craic, it’s about looking out for each other and making sure men get the care they need. We’ll be there, goosebumps and all, and we want as many lads as possible to join us.”
The dip is now in its sixth year and continues to grow. Last year’s event raised €186,000 and attracted over 400 participants. Organisers are aiming to surpass that total in 2025 with the largest gathering yet.
Mary Moorhead, Chief Executive of the Mater Hospital Foundation, said the courage and camaraderie of the participants was inspiring: “Every year, we are inspired by the fearlessness and commitment of our Dickie Dip participants, many of whom have been impacted directly by cancer – either through a diagnosis themselves, or by that of a loved one.”
Men can register for this year’s event at materfoundation.ie/dickiedip, where each participant will receive a free bow tie and a personalised fundraising page. […]