In this Episode of RadioTalks you will hear from Fionnuala Rabbitt, Managing Director at Highland Radio in Donegal and also current Chairperson of Learning Waves.

Fionnuala took over as Chairperson of Learning Waves in September 2024 following the appointment of former Chairperson Patricia Monahan to Director of Audio in RTE. Fionnuala has been a Director of Learning Waves since 2017 and served as Vice Chair since 2022.

Fionnuala also represents Highland Radio and the sector on the board of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland(IBI) and is also a board member of IRS+. Prior to joining Highland Radio, Fionnuala worked in Galway Bay FM as a researcher and producer.

In this episode, Fionnuala will share her radio journey, how her family influenced her career, her role in Highland Radio and her thoughts on Learning Waves, the Radio Sector, its future and its challenges. This is one not to miss!!!

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Radio in Ireland is so successful at raising money and awareness through many charity initiatives. We were lucky enough to catch up with some presenters to find out more, including John Breslin from Highland Radio, John Morley Galway Bay FM, Declan Meehan - East Coast FM along with Michael Crawley LMFM, Emma, Dave and Aisling - Spin 1038 and wrapping it all up PJ +Jim from Radio Nova - enjoy!

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This episode dive into all things election coverage with three industry experts: Kieran Foley, WLRFM, Sarah Kieran, Media Lawyer, and Niall Delaney, Ocean FM. Together, they share their insights on the legal challenges, audience engagement, and overcoming obstacles in covering local, EU, and general elections

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In this episode of RadioTalks, we sit down with Patricia Monahan as she reflects on her time as Managing Editor of Newstalk and Chairperson of Learning Waves. Patricia shares insights from her incredible journey in broadcasting and offers advice to people starting out in radio. Listen to hear about her vision for the future of Irish audio and what’s next for the media landscape in Ireland.

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In this episode, we explore mental health, resilience, burnout, and confidence for journalists in the radio industry. We are joined by Tara Duggan, Group Deputy Head of News at Bauer Media Audio Ireland, and Sheila Naughton, Multimedia Reporter at Newstalk, who will share their experiences as journalists. Additionally, Áine O'Meara, Programme Leader at Headline Ireland, discusses her work with Headline, Ireland's national programme for responsible reporting and representation of mental illness and suicide

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In this episode we sit down with Fyona Smith, Managing Editor of Today FM. Fyona shares her incredible journey from Australia to Ireland, revealing how she fell in love with the country and what drew her to its vibrant radio industry. With a rich background in both radio and podcasting, Fyona discusses her career, her passion for audio storytelling, and the challenges and triumphs of leading one of Ireland’s top radio stations. Fyona offers insights into the future of Today FM, the evolving landscape of radio and podcasting, and the importance of nurturing new talent in the industry.

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In this episode, we chat with graduates from the Learning Waves Radio Presenter Course: Jessica Maciel, Radio Presenter and DJ, Max Kane, Researcher, Producer, and Newsreader at East Coast FM, and Kathryn McKiernan, Radio Presenter at 98FM. They share their inspiring journeys, experiences after completing the programme, and valuable advice for prospective participants. Additionally, we are joined by Teresa Hanratty, Learning Waves Network Manager, who provides insights into the programme’s offerings and its impact on aspiring radio professionals.

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Join us for a special episode commemorating 20 years of Learning Waves! In this milestone discussion, we sit down with Teresa Hanratty, Network Manager, Patricia Monahan, Chairperson and Managing Editor at Newstalk, Michael Crawley, LMFM CEO and Learning Waves' first Chairperson, Fiona Stack, General Manager at Radio Kerry and former Learning Waves Chairperson, and Bernadette Prendergast, Head of News at Galway Bay FM and also a former Chairperson.

Together, they reminisce on memorable moments, celebrate key achievements, and cast a visionary gaze into the future of Learning Waves

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