Ireland

Presenter Ed Roache has created a radio documentary series for SPIN 1038 and SPIN South West to mark the month of PRIDE.
Ed ‘came out’ two years ago and now he’s talking out his experience in ‘Ed Roche – Our Unique Tales’ – coming out once again to a whole new audience.
Speaking on the title of the series Ed Roche said “the reason I chose the name ‘Our Unique Tales’ is because everyone’s story is so unique.
“There is no one way of coming out.
“I also like the word ‘our’ – it’s very inclusive – just like this series. Also, the first letter of every word spells the words OUT. I thought it was a subtle way of including a word that means so much to me and many other LGBTQIA+ people.”
Ed also gives us a little glimpse of what people can expect about the series: ‘Our Unique Tales’ is a series about LGBTQIA+ people in this country, it’s a story on their lives, from the difficulties they faced growing up in this country, to where they are today. A lot of tears were shed when making this series, I just really hope it connects with people no matter what your sexuality is. People shouldn’t assume this is just for the gay community, it’s probably the opposite honestly”.
The series will feature some incredible LGBTQIA+ figures, they are; Strongman Chris McNaghten who was Irelands first openly gay strongman. Rebecca Tallon De Havilland – she was the first person in Ireland to undergo gender reassignment surgery. Nikki Symmons – a former Irish international hockey player. And Philp Keogh who many people will know by his stage name Victoria Secret.
There is a special episode which will broadcast on Saturday May 22nd to celebrate six years since Ireland voted Yes in the Same-sex marriage referendum. The episode features Rory O’Neill aka. Queen of Ireland Panti Bliss. Rory was a massive campaigner in securing a yes vote for Ireland back in 2015. Has much changed since then? This series investigates.
The series is not necessarily about Eds own coming out experience, “I’ve never actually said I’m gay on the radio, I guess this series is a whole new coming out story for me. I’ve no doubt that some of my family, friends and listeners will only figure this out about me for the first time when they tune in! I am nervous about the reaction it will get! I just hope people are accepting to it, to me and to the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Ed Roche – Our Unique Tales first airs at 9am on Saturday morning – May 22nd on SPIN 1038 and SPIN South West.
There will then be a further 4 episode for PRIDE Month in June, every Saturday morning at 9am. […]

GoLoud has announced the release of its new and original podcast series, Invisible Threads.
The eight-part series was the winner of the inaugural GoLoud Podship, a bursary worth €20,000 which invited submissions for an original podcast series.
The successful GoLoud Podship recipient received a €5,000 cash prize, as well as access to in-house studio facilities, production support and a heavyweight launch marketing campaign.
James O’Hagan from LGBT Ireland was awarded the GoLoud Podship after his podcast pitch for ‘Invisible Threads’ was selected by an expert judging panel. The GoLoud Podship attracted hundreds of applicants.
Of the winning series, the GoLoud judging panel said: “We knew from the outset that this had the potential to be a great podcast. James’ passion and determination to give a generation of people a voice was evident and what he has delivered is audio storytelling at its very best – raw, honest, heartfelt personal accounts that give us all cause for reflection on a very important part of our history”.
Invisible Threads, hosted by James O’Hagan tells the powerful stories of eight older members of the LGBTQ+ community as they open up about their experience living as a queer person in Ireland, with contributions from psychologist Dr Paul D’Alton.
From coming out prior to the decriminalisation of homosexuality, gender dysphoria and conversion therapy, Invisible Threads features raw, honest conversations with members of the community, including Mrs. Brown’s Boys star Eilish O’Carroll.
James O’Hagan donated the €5,000 prize money to LGBT Ireland to help further the charity’s work in support of older members of the community. The launch of ‘Invisible Threads’ coincides with International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. This month also marks the 6th anniversary of the Marriage Equality Referendum.
Kiela Brodigan, GoLoud Director said: “The annual GoLoud Podship was developed to identify and provide a platform for original podcast content – stories and conversations that may not otherwise be heard. We’ve been blown away by the response, the talent and creativity that’s out there is something to behold.
“Our GoLoud Podship winner ‘Invisible Threads’ is a story that needs to be told and listeners to the GoLoud app will connect immediately with the empathy and passion that James has woven through this series. This is just the beginning of GoLoud’s ambition when it comes to creating and supporting original podcast content for the GoLoud app”.
Commenting on the series, Darren Cleary, GoLoud Managing Editor said: “The launch of ‘Invisible Threads’ marks the beginning of an exciting new journey for us. Over the coming months we’ll be developing a suite of new digital programmes and podcasts across a number of genres under the GoLoud Originals banner. These series’ will underpin our clear commitment to producing genre defining, habit forming, innovative digital properties and podcasts.”
GoLoud Podship recipient and host of ‘Invisible Threads’, James O’Hagan said: “GoLoud’s enthusiasm for the concept and commitment to both me and the series was clear from the very beginning. The support and guidance I received throughout the process has helped me produce something truly remarkable. I can’t begin to express how proud I am of Invisible Thread and of the 8 amazing people who were brave enough to share their stories with me.”
Applications for the GoLoud Podship 2021 will open on 31st May.
Invisible Threads, a GoLoud Original Podcast launches today, May 17th and is available now on the GoLoud app and on goloudnow.com. […]

Full regulatory clearance has been given to Bauer Media Audio for its acquisition of Communicorp Group.
The approval follow’s Bauer’s purchase of Communicorp earlier this year and extends its business operations to eight countries.
It is anticipated that the acquisition will complete on May 31st, 2021.
Paul Keenan, President of Audio told RadioToday: “We are excited to be one step closer to entering Ireland. This is a fantastic addition to Bauer Media Audio, and we see great opportunities to further develop the business while continuing to play an important cultural role in Ireland with trusted news, talented presenters offered within well-known brands.”
Approval from Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin has confirmed that following an initial media merger examination, the proposed acquisition of Communicorp Group by Bauer Media Audio Holdings GmbH can proceed as it is not contrary to the public interest in protecting the plurality of media in the state.
This completes all phases of required regulatory approval and follows approvals from The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. […]

Beat 102 103 has created a special two-part documentary on Long Covid featuring presenter Michelle Heffernan.
On 2 January 2021, Michelle was diagnosed with Covid-19 and like many others, she believed it would be over within a few weeks; instead, she endured months of debilitating fatigue.
In response to the ignorance and unfamiliarity with this condition, Michelle and Beat now present “It’s Not a Cold-It’s Long Covid” examining Long Covid, its effects, and the distressingly poor response patients have endured.
“I had a tough time recovering,” says Michelle, “but that is nothing compared with the stories I have heard, the lives I have seen obliterated.
People are bed-ridden; people have lost jobs, friends, or relationships. There are approximately 2,000 people in a Long Covid Ireland Facebook group and most of them are reporting that that that’ve been ignored, dismissed or gaslit.
I want to raise awareness on this issue and ask what we can all do, to lessen the number of usually healthy people from becoming disabled and disenfranchised due to Long Covid.”
Speaking ahead of the broadcast CEO of Beat 102 103 Gabrielle Cummins says: “Long Covid is new to all of us; it’s affecting our audience to varying degrees so we want to try our best to provide information that could help our listeners to better deal with this new type of illness.
“As a market leading station, it’s important that we raise awareness around how debilitating Long Covid can be but we also want to highlight solutions that will help people come out the other side of this horrible sickness & feel more positive about their future.
“As we’ve seen previously with Michelle’s other documentaries produced for Beat, she delves deep into the heart of the issue and shows great empathy with her subject matter so I’ve no doubt this latest series from her, will be as engaging as all the others have been, for Beat’s audience.”
“It’s Not a Cold-It’s Long Covid” Part 1 & Part 2 will air on May 16th and May 23rd respectively on Beat from 10am. It will be available for playback thereafter on soundcloud.com/beat102103 […]

Learning Waves is launching its Radio Matters Lunchtime Series for 2021, with Bauer Media in the hot seat first.
The first event is this Thursday, 13th May, with Graham Bryce from Bauer Media Group in conversation with Andy Matthews from Triple M Media.
Bauer recently bought Communicorp and is currently waiting for regulatory approval before taking over the group and its radio stations including Today FM and Newstalk.
To register for this event go to : https://lnkd.in/eFP9RbG
Following sessions include:
27th May 2021 – Ray Sheerin on ‘What’s the Story with Creativity?’ To register for this event go to : https://lnkd.in/egFBgVi
10th June 2021 – Ian McShane on ‘What’s the Story with Irish Consumers?’ To register for this event go to : https://lnkd.in/e8pXj6M
1st July 2021 – Jill Downey on ‘What’s the Story with Sponsorship?’ To register for this event go to : https://lnkd.in/eUUrF6F
27th July 2021 – Aidan McCullen on ‘What’s the Story with Innovation?’. To register for this event go to : https://lnkd.in/eC6Hq5s
The above events will be brought to you in association with Peter McPartlin.
For more details go to www.learningwaves.ie […]

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has announced the allocation of €2.58m in funding for the country’s independent commercial radio stations.
The money should be used in order to promote greater awareness and understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 funding initiative was operated by the BAI under the Sound & Vision 4 Scheme at the request of, and following the provision of €2.5m in funding by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD.
This is the second such funding initiative for the independent commercial radio sector in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Allocations ranging from €37,500 to €100,000 have now been approved by the Authority.
The BAI says qualifying projects were €77.5k over the €2.5m allocated by the Minister. Taking into account the high standard of the projects proposed and the value of the outcomes, the Authority agreed to provide the additional funding to ensure that all projects could be fully supported.
The projects being funded cover a wide range of sources of information and educational content on the COVID-19 pandemic, including a number of initiatives in the Irish language. In this regard, over 6,500 hours of content will be broadcast relating to COVID-19 which are sourced, produced and tailored for the various target audiences. This includes adult and youth audiences across broad-format, music-driven and speech-driven services at local, regional and national levels.
Chief executive of the BAI, Michael O’Keeffe said: “The BAI is extremely grateful to Minister Martin for the provision of this funding which will serve the dual purposes of assisting the commercial radio sector through this difficult period and the researching, production and presentation of COVID-19 content specifically for their target audiences.
“Overall, the standard of applications was very high and the proposed programme content reflects the evolving situation of the pandemic across the country. In this regard, the projects now being funded demonstrate responsiveness to current societal needs, including mental health and well-being and also seek to build their sense of connection with listeners with positive messaging and support to cope and live through these difficult times.” […]