TY Media Week: Transition Year Students taking over Irish Radio Stations.

In recent weeks, radio stations nationwide have warmly opened their doors to transition year students, offering them a unique opportunity into the intricacies of the radio industry. Through the Learning Waves TY Media Week programme, these fortunate students have garnered invaluable insights. Their creative endeavors have resulted in a diverse range of compelling content, encompassing engaging interviews, thought-provoking discussions, and vibrant vox-pops.  

Since September 2023, the following stations have opened their doors to TY Media Week students:

• Radio Kerry
• Newstalk
• Clare FM
• Ocean FM
• Beat
• LMFM
• Northern Sound
• Highland Radio
• iRadio

The final TY Media Week of this year begins this week in Galway Bay FM. 

Below is a sample of the topics explored and content created by TY Media Week students who completed their week last week in 5 stations across Ireland.

Ocean FM

At Ocean FM, Transition Year students embarked on a comprehensive exploration of diverse topics, delving into areas such as crime, politics, sports and the impact of Storm Debi. The breadth of their research led to a compelling array of content, including thought-provoking discussions and insightful interviews. The students delved into pressing issues, addressing rural crime and proposing ways in which their fellow TY peers could contribute to safeguarding the elderly in their communities. They also examined the gender disparity in politics, featuring interviews with Dr. Michelle Maher of SHE (See Her Elected) and Lisa Mulligan, a first-time Sinn Féin candidate in the upcoming Leitrim Local Elections. The group, passionate about soccer and the League of Ireland, compared the Irish and Polish leagues, exploring challenges faced by under-supported clubs. Other topics covered encompassed part-time jobs, the dropout rate of girls in sports, and the perennial subject of weather.  

Ocean FM’s TY Media week programme was broadcast on Sunday the 19th of November. Listen back here.

LMFM

The Transition Year students at LMFM exhibited remarkable enthusiasm as they delved into a diverse array of engaging topics. Notably, they secured interviews with football players from both Dundalk FC and Drogheda United, providing listeners with unique insights into the world of local sports. In the spirit of the festive season, the students curated a delightful list of recommended Christmas films, adding a touch of holiday cheer to their broadcast. Their curiosity extended to the LMFM staff as they inquired about their favourite Christmas films, creating an interactive and festive atmosphere within the station. Expanding their scope, the students engaged with the Boyne Rugby Club’s Community Officer, shedding light on the club’s community initiatives. The exploration of music took an interesting turn as they discussed their top rock drummers, infusing a rhythmic beat into their programming. As a thoughtful gesture to their audience, the students presented a comprehensive guide to the best Christmas gifts, adding a touch of practicality and warmth to their radio endeavours. 

Tune in to LMFM on the 27th of December to hear this wonderful show! 

Northern Sound

Transition Year students at Northern Sound delved into an array of compelling topics. Venturing into the realm of education, they gathered perspectives from students on the intricacies of the education system, fostering a meaningful dialogue around its nuances and potential improvements. Expanding their scope, the students engaged with influencers, exploring the relationship between social media and business/lifestyle enhancement. A highlight includes an exclusive interview with an intercounty player, delving into the analytics and statistics in the game and their impact on players and teams. Additionally, the students provided a glimpse into the strategic mind of a GAA manager who has steered his team to a provincial semi-final, offering valuable insights into the dynamics of coaching at this level. Shifting focus, they connected with a local member of the fishing community to shed a light on crucial issues such as waterway preservation, illegal fishing, and pollution. Tackling environmental concerns, the students examined the proactive measure schools are taking to contribute to a greener environment. Finally, they unraveled the mysteries of water treatment plants, offering an informative piece on the journey our water undergoes.  

Tune in to Northern Sound this Sunday the 26th of November at 6pm to listen to this programme. 

Highland Radio

The Transition Year students at Highland Radio are navigating captivating topics, seamlessly navigating from the energetic realms of sports and women in sports to the urgent environmental concerns surrounding endangered animals. Their exploration extends into the rhythmic corridors of music, spanning across decades, and venturing into the vibrant world of Trad Music, where they showcase their musical talents with an engaging performance. Adding a personal touch to their Trad segment, they are set to interview Mairead Ní Mhaoinigh from Altan, providing listeners with an exclusive and insightful perspective. In the realm of sports, the students are geared up for conversations with notable figures such as Darren Murphy, the manager of Finn Harps, and Killian McLaughlin, the visionary Founder of Wild Ireland.  

Students from Coláiste Ailigh will be broadcasting a show in Irish on Highland Radio on the 26th of December after Nuacht a sé! 

Beidh daltaí as Coláiste Ailigh ag craoladh seó as Gaeilge ar Highland Radio ar an 26ú de mí na Nollag tar éis Nuacht a sé! Beidh na daltaí ag labhairt ar go leor ábhair ón timpeallacht, mná sa spórt, ceol tradisiúnta agus ceol tríd na blianta, agus go leor eile!! Beidh ceol beo le cloisteáil, agallaimh le daoine áirithe cosúil le Killian McLaughlin ó Wild Ireland agus Darren Murphy, bainisteoir Finn Harps agus go leor Vox Pops chomh maith! So bígí linn an Lá Fhéile Stiofan seo tar a 6 a chlog! 

Beat 102 103

The TY students at Beat 102 103 explored a variety of topics spanning from local musicians, sports, and theatre to delving into Irish cultural quirks. Before engaging in conversations with professionals, they hit the streets of Waterford to conduct enlightening vox pops. They also conducted Interviews with a spectrum of individuals, including lecturers from SETU, business professionals, and content creators. The students posed thought-provoking questions, such as the relationship between sports and theatre, favourite Irish phrases, the impact of ads on social media, and much more.  

Tune into Beat 102 103 this Tuesday 21st of November at 8pm to hear this programme.  

Since September 2023, 104 TY Students have taken part in The TY Media Week Programme.  The programme is funded by Coimisiún na Meán through the Sound and Vision fund and has been devised by Learning Waves.  To find out more about the TY Media Week programme please click here.