From Graduate to Breakfast Presenter.

In Profile - Aaron Kelly, Shannonside FM

 

Aaron Kelly joined the Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme in 2025 for 5 months in Shannonside in Longford.  Aaron joined the programe to gain real newsroom experience. Today, he is the new Breakfast Show Host at Shannonside FM.

The Journalism Graduate Programme is a five-month paid placement created by Learning Waves in partnership with Ireland’s Independent Commercial Radio sector, alongside Coimisiún na Meán and Skillnet Ireland. It is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.

Each year, 10 journalism graduates are selected through a competitive process and placed directly into independent commercial radio stations across Ireland. To date, 55 graduates have taken part. The programme has a 90% retention rate, a strong reflection of the programme’s impact. The programme runs from September to February of each year and in 2025 the following stations hosted graduates:

• Shannonside
• Radio Kerry 
• East Coast FM 
• Midlands 103
• Galway Bay FM 
• Clare FM 
• FM104
• Newstalk
• Ocean FM
• LMFM

The graduates on the 2025 programme are due to complete the programme this week and we will share with you the graduates success over the coming weeks.  Today we profile Aaron Kelly fom Shannonside FM.

Here’s how Aaron describes his experience on the programme: 

I have recently finished my internship with Shannonside FM as part of the learning waves graduate programme.  I have learned so much about the news room and how it operates. From writing bulletins to getting clips for stories and reading on air, I feel like I’ve truly done it all.  I started in the sports department here a year ago but my life has truly changed for the better through taking the leap to do this programme having gained on the job experience and advice from people within the station who’ve seen and done it all.  It’s with great pride that I can say I have received a full time job as the new Breakfast Show Host on Shannonside and I truly can’t wait to get started and am excited for what’s to come in the future.”

His progression has also been recognised within the station. Martin Howard, Operations Manager in Shannonside FM/Northern Sound said:

"Throughout his time on JGP, Aaron consistently went above and beyond what was expected of him. From the very beginning, he showed real drive, commitment, and enthusiasm for the programme. Thanks to his hard work and dedication, he has since progressed to a full-time staff role and now hosts his own weekday Breakfast programme"

The Journalism Graduate Programme is designed to promote radio journalism by equipping graduates with practical newsroom skills, a strong understanding of media literacy, and direct industry experience.

Aaron’s journey shows what that pathway can look like from graduate placement to leading a weekday Breakfast programme. Applications for the 2026 programme will open soon.  Keep an eye out on our website - https://www.learningwaves.ie/journalism-graduate-programme