University of Limerick students were informed about graduate opportunities in radio
THE transformation of the local Irish radio sector was the subject of debate at a recent talk hosted in University of Limerick.
Fiona Stack, General Manager of Radio Kerry, and Teresa Hanratty, Project Manager of Learning Waves, reflected on their experiences working in a sector that has seen rapid change over recent decades.
They also offered a number of recommendations for students interested in entering the field in particular through the Learning Waves programme.
The talk was organised by the Journalism department in UL for students participating in the ‘Media Challenges in the Digital Age’ – a seminar series featuring key figures from the Irish media sector.
The power of local radio
Fiona Stack was first to speak, engaging the crowd with her experience entering the radio industry over two decades ago. After graduating from UL in public administration just as the college obtained University status, Ms Stack applied for a job at Radio Kerry. She found the role demanding from day one, but the work appealed to her and she remained at the station for 10 years.
She later worked as a Communications Specialist for Intel but found the job to be too slow-paced compared to her time spent in radio explaining:
“I just didn’t get the same challenge out of it,” she recalled.
She eagerly returned to Radio Kerry after being offered a role as General Manager where she has remained to this day.
Although the job has adapted to technological innovations over time, Ms Stack the core principles underpinning good journalistic inherent have remained the same according to Ms Stack:
“Accuracy and facts are always going to be important”.
Additionally, she mentioned the value of maintaining personal integrity and trustworthiness in her role describing how she has maintained working contacts for over 20 years.
Fiona recommends that anyone entering the radio be prepared to adapt as the job changes, take initiative when a problem emerges, and be ready to ask questions. When questioned on the merits of working for Radio Kerry, Fiona advocated that journalists will have greater involvement working at the station compared to larger radio groups.
“We will do all we can to get you in the door, the more people we can welcome into the industry and protect, the better.”
Graduate opportunities
Teresa Hanratty discussed her 20 years of experience working with Learning Waves, a training body supporting commercial independent radio groups in Ireland. After transitioning away from food sciences and working in training consultation for some years, she began offering her skills to radio groups through Learning Waves.
“The ability to tell local people’s stories is phenomenal,” she said.
Since 2015, the training body has been providing opportunities for students to enter the sector to foster new talent in the industry. Their Radio Presenter Course takes place over three months offering essential skills in broadcasting, with many graduates receiving full-time employment following its completion.
Registrations are expected to open later in the year where applicants should present their CVs and a three-minute demo. Additionally, their Journalism Graduate Program is expected to proceed this year if granted funding. This will allow 10 successful applicants to complete a five-month placement across national, regional and local radio stations.
This opportunity offers graduates a diploma in Broadcast Journalism upon completion and facilitates employment opportunities within the sector. Anyone interested in the program is recommended to keep an eye on the Learning Waves website for further updates.