Ireland

Today marks the end of DAB digital radio transmissions in Ireland as RTÉ switches off its services on the platform.
The broadcaster originally announced in 2019 it would also shut down the stations using DAB as their main outlet, but made a U-turn earlier this month.
Now, RTÉ Gold, RTÉ 2XM, RTÉ Radio 1 Extra, RTÉ Pulse, and RTÉjr Radio continue online only, offering hope that they may one day return to DAB.

So it would seem the DAB service has indeed been closed. Thanks to all who have listened to us on DAB over the years 😘 we really hope you can continue to listen to us online on any computer or smart device (phone, tablet, speaker or internet radio) or on your TV 💛 https://t.co/7a2rHyn21K
— RTE Gold (@RTEGold) March 31, 2021

DAB in Ireland falls silent. pic.twitter.com/tsYFJDRpgq
— BRIAN GREENE (@BrianGreene) March 31, 2021

RTÉ says its decision to cease DAB transmission was driven by three main factors – the fact that DAB was the least utilised platform in Ireland; that RTÉ is the only Irish broadcaster on the DAB system, and cost avoidance.
A report commissioned by the broadcaster found that just 0.5% of adults in Ireland listen to radio via DAB while 77% of adults in Ireland listen on FM.
Commercial and pirate services using the platform, along with a few trials, have also ended in recent years with no word from the Government regarding any plans to switch to digital broadcasting in Ireland.

I think we have our answer @BrianGreene. Audio ended at 11am on the button. EPG still active until around 11.04am when message changed to ‘This service is closed.’ Appeared. pic.twitter.com/yA6HJnRTo9
— Ralph McGarry (@RalphMcGarry) March 31, 2021 […]

Presenter Dusty Rhodes has left Classic Hits radio station after three years on the schedule.
The former RTÉ and Atlantic 252 presenter had been fronting the station’s Sunday Night 90s and various music documentaries.
“What was originally a one-year project turned into almost three,” said Dusty. “However our podcasting operation has grown exponentially in the last year and some other projects needed to go.
“Unfortunately Classic Hits was one of them.
“I really enjoyed working with the Classic Hits team. They’re a very experienced and talented team of professionals. The work they have accomplished throughout the Covid crisis has been exceptional. I have no doubt they will enjoy continued success whenever life resumes some form of normality.”
Dusty runs DustPod.ie, which creates premium bespoke podcasts for brands, and is expanding with two new full-time staff and recruiting for freelance producers. They create B2C, B2B and private internal podcasts for corporates.
Classic Hits CEO Sean Ashmore said “Dusty’s dedication to ‘putting on a show’ delivered great JNLR results for Classic Hits. We wish him the best with the DustPod.ie project and hope one day that we get to work together again.” […]

Jason Collins has become the presenter of a second weekend show at East Coast FM. 

Jason will now present More Music Weekend from 2 – 6pm on Sunday afternoons. He has taken over the slot from Ryan O’Neill, who has moved to Saturday afternoons.
In 2018, Jason joined the Wicklow-based station as a cover presenter. He was appointed his first permanent programme at East Coast FM in February last year but soon began broadcasting from home in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Speaking about the new programme, Jason told RadioToday: “I was delighted to be offered the second show. I felt it was a vote of confidence in my abilities, especially considering how challenging things have been over the last twelve months.
“It’s been a tough year, but local radio has shone through it all and being a part of that has been gratifying. If people have ever wondered what part radio plays in life nowadays, I think it’s become wholly evident in these restricted times.”
While discussing the last year, Jason explained that he’s been broadcasting from home while juggling life as a stay-at-home father. He plans to “keep being upbeat and positive” on his new show and credits his colleagues for the uplifting station ethos. 
“I think [the positive environment] stems from the top. Dave Harrington is a great programme director to work for. He’s always encouraging and has a wealth of experience to learn from.”
Jason began his radio career at Communicorp’s digital training station, FRQ.fm. From there, he progressed to 8Radio, LMFM and KFM.  […]

The Christmas FM team is back on-air today broadcasting a special day of programmes to mark Saint Partick’s Day.
“This is Ireland” is streaming on all the Christmas FM channels online, smart speakers and apps.
With live presenters from 6am to 6am, the pop-up is exploring the songs and stories of Ireland and the influence of Irish culture across the globe, from the past to the present day.
Organisers say it’s an experiment for this year and they might make it a regular or longer event in the future.
Here’s the schedule for today:
12 am – 6 am Continuous Irish Classics6 am – 8 am Lar Flynn8 am – 11 am Walter Hegarty11 am – 1 pm Ann Marie Walsh1 pm – 3 pm Gareth O’Connor3 pm – 6 pm Karl Tsigdinos6 pm – 8 pm Emily Brew8 pm – 10 pm Garvan Rigby10 pm – 12 am Alan Young […]

A new daily podcast with 7 minutes of news every morning at 7 has been launched in Ireland.
The Smart 7, which launched in the UK with Liam Thompson and Jamie East last year, now has an Irish edition voiced by broadcast journalist Paul Connolly.
The Smart 7 UK already has Irish fans as it regularly features in the Irish News podcast charts and so the idea for the Ireland Edition was born.
Liam Thompson told RadioToday: “With The Smart 7, we wanted to find out if radio listeners were fed up with linear listening… Why wait until the top of the hour for a news bulletin in the morning?
“Everything else has been atomised and distributed – from Netflix with TV and movies, to Spotify with music – and we felt there was real potential for a concise, consistent and entertaining news package served up daily at 7am, and, with 4 Million downloads in our first 10 months, it shows there is a demand for that service.
“Does it mean the death of radio? Probably not, I think the Video Star was supposed to kill Radio… Radio is resilient and engaging, but there are parts of it, that doesn’t necessarily have to stay in a linear broadcast stream anymore.”
Jamie East adds: “For me, it is that news has to get to the point. This isn’t the podcast to pull apart a story and ponder the ramifications – it’s a news espresso for people to feel as though they can start their day with a real sense of where the world is.” […]