Once again, KCLR handed the airwaves over to a group of local students who joined us for our Transition Year Media Week, coordinated nationally by Learning Waves, with funding from Skillnet Ireland and Coimisiún na Meán.
As part of the week, the group heard from and engaged with some of the broadcasters and station management at KCLR, to understand our place in the media landscape, our obligations and ethical considerations. They had an opportunity to see how radio is made on a daily basis at close hand and dropped in as guests on live shows.
They were an exemplary and inquisitive group from Carlow, Kilkenny, Kildare and Tipperary schools and both the enthusiasm and questions were great to witness (and try to answer!)
After the realisation that they were expected not just to attend and engage with us, but to produce a full two hour programme, they got straight to work. From a literal standing start, they developed and produced a show featuring items of interest to their age group, from music to sport debates (including two quizzes!), reflections on Transition Year for those coming after and an interview with a working local vet.
It was a delight to have them and we expect to see some of them pursue a future in media. We wish them all the very best in their futures.
Note:
Learning Waves is the training body for the Independent Radio Sector in Ireland. The organisation is funded by its 34 member organisations who represent the Independent Radio stations in Ireland along with sales houses, Media Central, IRS+ and Urban Media. In addition to this, Learning Waves receives funding from Skillnet Ireland and Coimisiún na Meán. Learning Waves works with all members to provide custom-made training to support employees on their radio career. The organisation has received many awards for its work across the sector, including the IMRO Outstanding Achievement Award in 2021, the Media Literacy Ireland Award for its TY Media Programme in 2023 and the Learning and Development Institute Award for its Journalism Graduate Programme in 2023.
