Breaking into Broadcasting: Laura Kelly’s Experience on the Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme.

Laura Kelly, a successful candidate in the 2024 Journalism Graduate Programme and former Newstalk placement student, shares her experience and how she navigated the world of radio journalism.  

When Laura first walked across the graduation stage at Dublin City University with a degree in Communication Studies, she knew one thing for certain: she wanted a career in radio. What she didn’t know was how to get there. That changed the day she met Teresa Hanratty at the DCU Media Careers Fair. In that moment, the path ahead became clearer. The Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme offered exactly what she needed - a bridge between her academic studies and the fast-moving world of broadcast journalism. 

Soon after, she was accepted onto the programme and began a five-month internship with Newstalk. The first four months immersed her in the heart of a busy newsroom, where she was paired with an experienced mentor. Under their guidance, she quickly learned the fundamentals of broadcast journalism: planning and editing news reports, producing voicers and packages, and gathering vox pops and interviews. With the General Election unfolding at the time, she found herself at press conferences, political rallies, and protests, interviewing local councillors, TDs, public figures and even government ministers. It was hands-on, high-pressure, and exhilarating. 

Her weekends were no less exciting. She had the chance to read news bulletins for Spin 1038 and Spin South West. With the help of her mentor, Laura Donnelly, and vocal coach Eric Dixon, she honed her radio voice and learned how to script and deliver stories with clarity and confidence. 

Beyond the newsroom, the programme offered intensive training sessions both online and in-person on everything from podcast production and media law to social media strategy and interview techniques. It wasn’t just about learning how to do the job; it was about growing into a journalist ready to make an impact. 

Highlights of the experience included attending the Learning Waves 20th Anniversary Dinner, where the Journalism Graduate Programme was formally launched, and a two-day workshop at iRadio Ireland with industry leaders Fionnuala Corbett, Garrett Harte, and Jackie Neill. There, she fine-tuned her storytelling skills, pitched original content ideas, and connected with fellow graduates in an environment that blended learning with team bonding. 

One of her proudest moments came when her feature on drink spiking was broadcast on The Pat Kenny Show. For years, she had wanted to explore the idea of making spiking a specific criminal offence in Ireland. The programme gave her the tools and the confidence to make that vision a reality. The mini documentary, which aired nationally, was a milestone in her young career and a testament to how far she’d come. If you’re interested, listen here.  

In the final month of the internship, she joined The Pat Kenny Show as a researcher, where she pitched stories, prepared briefs, and booked guests. Working alongside a seasoned team, she found joy in the creative collaboration and fast-paced environment of live radio. 

Today, she works as a freelance radio journalist for stations including Classic Hits, Nova, Sunshine 106.8, FM104, Q102, and Newstalk. She credits the Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme with giving her not just a foothold in the industry, but a launchpad to excel. 

For those considering the same path, her advice is simple: Don’t overthink it. The opportunity might just open the door to the career you’ve always wanted. Be sure to apply for the programme today: https://www.learningwaves.ie/journalism-graduate-programme