Head of Radio Kerry Fiona Stack and Learning Waves Project Manager Teresa Hanratty spoke to students of University of Limerick Media Challenges module on Tuesday afternoon.
The module consists of final year journalism students, MA journalism students and Arts students who were eager to learn from the experienced duo.
Ms. Hanratty took time to discuss the challenges and benefits associated with AI in local radio.
She explained how AI can be an asset to the newsroom, but at the end of the day, it cannot replace the trust that audiences have in the presenters. “The power of audio cannot be underestimated,” she added.
The Head of Radio Kerry explained how “since COVID, lots of radio stations rely on local stories and community connections… AI cannot build this connection.”
Ms. Stack went on to mention how “during COVID, radio was very easy to access… you just turned it on, and we were there.”
She emphasised the increased spread of misinformation during this turbulent period, highlighting how listeners trusted their local and national radio stations to report accurate figures.
In local radio, people build a connection with the station and are willing to share their stories.
“I love local radio because it makes you responsible,” Ms. Stack concluded.
The students were also given some helpful insights on applying for the Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme.
The programme is funded by Skillnet Ireland and Comisiún na Meán, and gives 10 successful candidates the opportunity to experience working in one of Ireland’s independent commercial radio stations for five months.
Ms. Hanratty shared that 9 out of 10 graduates of Learning Waves were employed after finishing the programme last year.
She emphasised how the opportunity is all about “resonating with people and being able to tell the stories that are truthful, meaningful and that matter to society and the audience you are broadcasting to.
“It’s what matters to them that matters to you,” she added.
The 10 graduates are placed in various radio stations across Ireland and are given the chance to receive hands on experience and mentorship from professionals in the field.
The graduates are also given the unique opportunity to pitch and create a piece of their own content that they are passionate about during the placement.
Since 2021, the Learning Waves Graduate Programme has been certified by the London College of Music, meaning students will receive a diploma in broadcast journalism upon successful completion of the programme.
In order to apply, applicants are asked to send in a 500-word piece about why they would like a place on the programme, as well as a CV and a three-to-four-minute demo clip. Applications are open now and close on Tuesday, June 2.
Ms. Hanratty concluded by saying, “Radio wants new people coming in and radio will help young people find their voice in the local sector.”