Ten Journalism Graduates Land Paid Placements in Local Radio Stations Around the Country.
2025 Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme instrumental in ensuring consistent pipeline of trustworthy skilled journalists.
Today 8th October 2025, in a significant step towards nurturing the future of journalism in Ireland, ten promising journalism students have been chosen to embark on paid placements at 10 independent radio stations around the country, as part of the award winning 2025 Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme.
Now in its sixth year, the Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme, which is designed and supported by the independent commercial radio sector along with Coimisiún na Meán and Skillnet Ireland, gives 10 lucky students a unique opportunity to complete a five-month paid placement in a radio station.
The programme, which recently won Best Graduate Development Initiative at the Excellence in Learning Awards, this year sees graduates from six different third level institutions placed in radio stations in Dublin, Clare, Kerry, Louth, Galway, Wicklow, Offaly, Sligo and Longford.
Speaking at the launch of this year’s programme in Galway Learning Waves Project Manager Teresa Hanratty said ‘Current events happening across the globe have again proven how the role of the journalist has never been more important in disseminating reliable and trustworthy information. Eight of the 10 graduates who took part in the programme last year are now working full time in the sector, so we know the programme not only provides a pathway for new journalists to enter the sector but also a consistent pipeline of much needed new talent to future proof radio journalism’.
Commenting on the launch of this year’s programme Coimisiún na Meán’s Media Development Commissioner Rónán Ó Domhnaill said ‘As the media landscape continues to evolve it has become increasingly important to equip the next generation of journalists with the expertise needed to report on events accurately and ethically. The Journalism Graduate Programme ensures we continue to attract new graduates to the medium by providing an opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on training, experience and insight into the role of journalists in society. It is also great to see that two of the selected graduates will be developing their journalistic skills to serve Gaeltacht communities in Kerry and Galway" We are delighted to support this initiative again and I would like to congratulate the successful graduates and stations and to wish them the best of luck’.
The 10 graduates and the radio stations involved in this year’s programme are:
- James Varley from Mayo, studied at University of Galway to Galway Bay FM
- Niamh O’Sullivan, from Galway, studied at University of Galway to Radio Kerry
- Jack Freyne from Meath, studied at Dundalk Institute of Technology to LMFM
- Jamie Ryan from Wicklow, studied at TUD to East Coast FM
- Jason Quigley from Tipperary, studied at TUD to FM104
- Ella Anderson from Dublin, studied at Dublin City University to Newstalk
- Lily Collins from Galway studied at TUS Midwest Limerick to Clare FM
- Philip Keegan from Athlone, studied at University of Galway to Midlands 103
- Jack Duignan from Sligo, studied at Dublin City University to Ocean FM
- Aaron Kelly from Longford, studied at Maynooth University to Shannonside
The Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme is part funded by Coimisiún na Meán’s Sectorial Learning and Development Progamme. Under the 2025 scheme, a total of €50,000 amount was awarded to Learning Waves to operate the programme. The award constitutes a significant increase on the initial programme funding amount, which will benefit the interns directly and help to contribute towards their living expenses while they undertake their placements.
The participating broadcasters and graduates were chosen following an application process that began in March 2025. A total of 15 broadcasters applications and 65 student applications were received. The student applications were shortlisted and interviewed by a panel of representatives from Learning Waves and the industry. The successful graduates took up their placements September and will showcase their work in February 2026.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
About the Learning Waves Graduate Programme
The programme is funded by Coimisiún na Meán’s Sectoral Learning and Development Programme. This offers support to the broadcasting sector and relevant industry networks to facilitate training and development initiatives that in turn help to enhance capacity in the industry. Further information on the scheme can be found here.
About Learning Waves Skillnet
Learning Waves was set up in 2004 to provide training for those working in the Independent Commercial Radio Sector in Ireland and is an industry led initiative. The Network is funded by Skillnet Ireland (a government initiative) together with all the Independent Commercial Radio Stations in the country. Currently there are 34 Independent Commercial Radio Stations in the network, together with IRS+, Urban Media, and Media Central. Alongside this, the network works in partnership with the industry regulator, Coimisiún na Meán and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI). The network provides training and lifelong learning opportunities for those working in the sector and creates career paths for those starting out on their media careers.