Voices of Irish Radio: A Year of Change.
Industry Moves
2025 has been a busy, exciting year for Irish radio, and episode 34 of RadioTalks captures it all from emerging talent stepping into the industry to award winning broadcasters and leaders taking on new roles. Hosted by Andy Matthews, the episode gives an authentic look behind the scenes at what it’s like to grow a career in radio and the people shaping its future.
Jamie Ryan Finding His Feet in East Coast FM
Jamie Ryan, a 2025 graduate of the Learning Waves Journalism Programme, is currently on placement at East Coast FM. In the podcast, he reflects on his first months in the newsroom gaining experience across news, social media, and live shows. From booking guests to producing segments, Jamie describes it as a crash course in radio life and adds “If anyone wants to apply, I couldn’t vouch for something more than this.” His journey into the programme came via a lecturer’s recommendation, and his passion for radio grew during a college project producing a solo radio documentary. Jamie’s story is a reminder that curiosity, persistence, and taking that first step are key to breaking into the industry.
Passion Meets Recognition
Kieran McGuiness presenter of The Guest List on Radio Nova, has won the Specialist Music Broadcaster of the Year Gold three times.Kieran shares how his genuine enthusiasm for music and dedication to showcasing new talent have shaped his award-winning shows. He highlights the joy of mentoring young gig reporters and seeing them grow, proving that in radio, authenticity and passion resonate just as much as technical skill.
New Leadership in Irish Radio
The episode also explores significant leadership moves in 2025. Fiona Stack is now CEO of Radio Kerry group, Fionnuala Rabbitt has returned to Galway Bay FM as CEO, and Mark Cunning has stepped into a strategic role at Onic after working at iRadio .All three reflect on the evolving industry from digital challenges and compliance to the importance of collaboration and community engagement. Fiona comments “It’s a great industry… I wouldn’t have had a crystal ball to see all this, but I’m very proud and very happy to still be part of it.” A common thread across their stories is a deep connection to radio: coming from programming backgrounds, they understand the heart of the stations they now lead, and the value of great content remains central.
Why This Episode Matters
Episode 34 of RadioTalks is a reminder that radio is, at its heart, about people, opportunity, and growth. Whether you’re curious about entering radio, interested in how careers develop, or simply enjoy hearing real stories from the industry, there’s something here for everyone. It’s a celebration of talent, leadership, and the evolving world of Irish radio as we head into 2026. Tune in to RadioTalks to hear Jamie, Kieran, Fiona, Fionnuala, and Mark share their stories, insights, and reflections on a year full of milestones.
Tap the link below to have a listen.