The Irish radio awards (PPI) were held over the past weekend.
Having worked mostly outside the country in recent years, I haven't attended - but, it looked great on social media :)
One thing struck me as I followed the ceremony through twitter - a trend.
A trend towards one market.
Cork.
The city of Cork took awards for best presenter, talk show, breakfast show and overall station. Red FM and 96FM in the city battling it out on ratings day and now awards day.
How did this happen? Don't get me wrong, Cork has always been a vibrant radio town...it's just that now - it may be the MOST vibrant in the country.
Can one person be responsible?
When Keith Cunningham (KC) left national outlet TodayFM to return to his old stomping ground (Red FM), he returned not only as the morning guy but as Programme Director too. He immediately made a splash by poaching the main competitor's (96FM) number one asset - their talk show host.
New promotions, new attitude...all counted for ratings boosts.
96FM in response, re-branded their talk show and the recovery began.
It's been a very well mannered battle, but a battle none the less.
Now with award winning presenters, shows and station gongs - Cork has become 'the' place for creative radio minds in Ireland.
I believe one person kick started that.
What will YOU do to impact the radio industry?
talking about what person making an impact, shaping a station and a market - do you think it's possible (maybe even easier?) to do this in a NON Breakfast role? e.g. a late night slot? I'd argue it is. Why bust a gut trying to stand out at breakfast or drive, then late nights is more of a blank canvas? That's where I'd put my focus if I was back in the game now.
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