Landmark conference marks 100 years of Irish radio

• An Taoiseach Micheál Martin opened conference celebrating centenary of radio in the Republic of Ireland.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin opened a landmark conference at University College Cork (UCC) to commemorate 100 years of Irish radio. Over two days, broadcasters, researchers and members of the public reflected on the legacy, culture, and future of radio in Ireland.

The lasting impact of radio in Irish society

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “When broadcast radio began throughout much of the world a hundred years ago, it represented a genuine revolution in culture and society. It transformed what people knew about each other, their access to information and the nature of popular culture. We now have a diverse and vibrant range of radio broadcasters at local and national levels, and Ireland continues to have one of the highest levels of daily radio listenership in the democratic world. It remains an essential part of our public discourse and community life.”

The keynote address was delivered by Patricia Monahan, Director of Audio at RTÉ, who said: “The centenary of public broadcasting is itself the story of a nation. It is the story of how Ireland has spoken to itself – sometimes confidently, sometimes contentiously, often creatively – but always in the open. As we look to the next century, our task is not to preserve radio as it is, but to carry its values forward as it continues to evolve, as the audio revolution gathers pace, and as radio strengthens within a blossoming new ecosystem of sound.”

Radio in a changing media landscape

Panellists included Sarah McInerney, PJ Coogan, Jacqui Hurley, Joe Duffy, Dr John Creedon, Dr Rosemary Day and Ruth Fitzsimmons. The programme examined radio practice and innovation across the sector, with sessions on talk radio and current affairs, music and language, women in radio, sport broadcasting and the launch of a special edition of the Irish Communications Review focusing on 100 Years of Irish Radio.

Dr Finola Doyle O’Neill, UCC School of History and conference convenor, said: “This event was both a celebration and a critical reflection on how radio has shaped, and continues to shape, Irish society and culture. It offered a rare opportunity for students and aspiring broadcasters to engage directly with leading experts and practitioners from more than 21 radio stations across the country, reflecting the breadth of voices across radio and podcasting today. The discussions throughout the conference underlined the real depth of trust Irish listeners continue to place in radio as an essential part of everyday life.”

The conference is organised by UCC School of History in partnership with Coimisiún na Meán, as its main sponsor, supported by RTÉ and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI).