Broadcast to Podcast Conference Celebrates 100 Years of Radio in Ireland.

Learning Waves was delighted to attend the Broadcast to Podcast Conference at University College Cork last week, marking 100 years of radio in Ireland and reflecting on the evolving future of audio.

Organised by broadcast historian and UCC lecturer Dr. Fiona O’Neill, and supported by Coimisiún na Meán, the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) and UCC, the two-day event brought together broadcasters, regulators, academics and industry leaders from across the country.

Radio’s Enduring Role in Irish Life

The conference was officially opened by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who highlighted radio’s continued importance as a trusted source of information and connection at local, regional and national level.

In his address, he described radio as:

“A modern, intimate and open medium… an essential part of public discourse.”

He also acknowledged the vital contribution of independent radio in strengthening community spirit and ensuring diverse voices are heard, noting that 80% of people in Ireland still listen daily.

The Power of Connection and Storytelling

Former Learning Waves Chairperson and current Director of Audio at RTÉ, Patricia Monahan, spoke about radio’s unique ability to connect people:

“Radio is a nation waiting to hear and to be heard.”

She emphasised that radio has endured for a century because it remains deeply in tune with human needs — offering immediacy, companionship and a trusted space for reflection.

Key Themes from Panel Discussions

Across a wide range of panels, speakers explored radio’s past, present and future, with several recurring themes emerging:

• Immediacy and intimacy remain radio’s greatest strengths

• Radio continues to be a powerful platform for empathy, community and public conversation

• There is a growing need to support greater gender representation on air

• Archives play a vital role in preserving the story of the nation

• Music radio continues to evolve, helping audiences discover new sounds in a global landscape

• Podcasts and digital audio are not threats, but opportunities to expand radio’s reach

• Radio is part of what feeds our humanity, it invites us in, it doesn't matter where you are listening

• The surprise of radio is a wonderful thing 

Discussions also addressed the challenges ahead, including the need to protect radio’s place in cars, ensure fair regulation across media platforms, and continue investing in skills and innovation.

Looking Ahead

John Purcell, Chairperson of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland said that while 'he is optimistic about the future, we cannot be complacement.'   While the conference honoured radio’s remarkable legacy, the most energising conversations focused on the future — changing audiences, new platforms, and the importance of ongoing learning. At Learning Waves, we see this every day through our training programmes, supporting broadcasters and new talent to adapt, grow and thrive in an evolving audio landscape.

One hundred years on, radio in Ireland is still transforming — and the next chapter will be shaped by curiosity, creativity and a continued commitment to trusted storytelling.