TY Media Day 2026: That's a Wrap! Learn 路 Inspire 路 Connect.
And just like that, TY Media Day 2026 is done and dusted and what an absolute cracker of a day it was! On the 29th of April, over 70 Transition Year students from more than five schools across Dublin came together at the Lighthouse Cinema for a day packed with real conversation, big ideas and a whole lot of inspiration. Developed by Learning Waves in partnership with Coimisiún na Meán, and built around the theme Learn | Inspire | Connect, the day delivered on every front.
As student Ruby Gaffney put it: "This was one of the best days of TY" and honestly, we couldn't agree more.
The Woman Steering the Ship
There's no way to talk about the day without giving a massive shoutout to our MC, Rebecca Shekleton presenter of 98FM's Big Breakfast and all-round broadcasting legend. Rebecca brought brilliant energy from the moment she stepped on stage, keeping students engaged, entertained and totally at ease throughout. She was warm, funny and genuinely brilliant with the crowd. The day wouldn't have been half what it was without her.
Opening the Day
The programme kicked off with a welcome from Teresa Hanratty, Network Director at Learning Waves, and Fionnuala Rabbitt, Chairperson of Learning Waves and CEO of Galway Bay FM two of the people who work hardest behind the scenes to open up Ireland's media industry to the next generation. Stephanie Comey from Coimisiún na Meán and Paula MacSweeney, presenter with Today FM also took to the stage to set the scene for the day ahead.
Learning from the Voices Behind the Mic
One of the standout moments of the morning was a lively panel with four working broadcasters: Ellen Butler from Newstalk, Jack Freyne from LMFM, Alex Rowley from Today FM, and Kathryn McKiernan from 98FM. Together they gave students a candid, honest look at what life in radio and media is actually like the early starts, the nerves, the buzz of going live, and the very different journeys that brought each of them to where they are today. It was exactly the kind of real talk that students don't always get in the classroom.
Real Stories from Young Creators
Shonagh O'Sullivan had the room absolutely hooked. Known for her honest conversations about identity in the age of social media, Shonagh's talk drew on the themes of her TEDx talk : Behind the Selfie: Who Are We Really? — challenging students to look beyond online validation and comparison, and to build confidence rooted in authenticity. More than a few students left that session seeing their social media habits in a whole new light.
We also heard from Hannah Taylor and Caoimhe Gaffney of Media Central, who gave students a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how brands and broadcasters work together. From Aer Lingus to Bord Gáis, they pulled back the curtain on the commercial side of media an eye opener for students who had never considered that side of the industry as a career path.
Our Online World — Safe, Smart and in Control
A highlight of the afternoon was a brilliant 30-minute session led by Tracy Hogan and Catriona Mulcahy from Webwise Ireland's Internet Safety Awareness Centre joined by youth panel members Billie Constantinou and Stephen Prior, both of whom have been involved with Webwise for years and spoke with real authority and warmth.
The session, titled Our Online World: Safe, Smart and in Control, walked students through how algorithms shape what we see online, with a practical live demo showing how to reset or refresh your feed. There was also a quick but impactful introduction to generative AI, what it is, and how to engage with it safely and smartly. Having young people like Billie and Stephen lead parts of the session made it land in a way that a traditional talk simply wouldn't. Students were asking questions, leaning in, and genuinely engaged.
The TikTok Challenge — and a Very Lucky Winner!
What's a media day without a bit of craic? Students took part in our TikTok challenge on the day and the winner, Camilla, walked away with tickets to see The Weeknd in concert this August. An absolutely deadly prize, and a very well deserved win. Congratulations Camilla!
A Day That Mattered
More than anything, TY Media Day 2026 was proof that when you give young people space to listen, ask questions and see themselves reflected in an industry, something shifts. Students left the Lighthouse Cinema with new ideas, new contacts and hopefully a stronger belief that their voice belongs in media.
At Learning Waves, supporting new talent into Ireland's independent radio sector is at the heart of what we do. Days like this remind us exactly why that work matters. To every student, school, speaker and partner who made the 29th of April such a special day thank you. It was, genuinely, brilliant.
馃摳 Photos from the day are up on our socials go check them out and tag us if you spot yourself!
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Want to Be Part of It Next Year?
TY Media Day 2027 is already on our minds. If you'd like to bring your school along, we'd love to have you the more young voices in the room, the better.
Get in touch at 馃憠 learningwaves.ie
TY Media Day 2026 was developed by Learning Waves in partnership with Coimisiún na Meán.