PJ Coogan will take on the morning show permanently at Cork’s 96fm following Neil Prendeville’s exit to Red FM, and will be joined by two new voices.
Deirdre OShaughnessy, editor of weekly free newspaper the Cork Independent, and journalist Brenda Dennehy will complete the line-up for the new show, to be called The Opinion Line.
Deirdre will be Editor whilst Brenda will be the Researcher when the programme starts on March 31st. PJ will continue as main host as he has done since Neil left last month.
The station has hired radio consultant John Simons to work on launching the show.
Chief Executive of Cork’s 96FM & C103, Kieran McGeary said “I am delighted to announce these three very strong appointments. I believe the team that we have put in place will maintain the ‘Opinion Lines’ position as the most listened-to talk show in Cork. The familiarity of P.J. Coogan to listeners combined with all the other elements that Cork people love about our station, I am confident that we will continue to be the first choice for adults in Cork.”
P.J. Coogan added: “This is the show I have always wanted. I’ve filled in on the programme in recent years and I can’t wait to take the helm. It’s an enormous challenge, but one that I will relish. In particular I look forward to working with my new production team and programme editor, Deirdre O’Shaughnessy, to generate great conversation and lively debate on Cork’s 96FM.”
Neil Prendeville quit to join cross-town Red FM, taking with him Senior producer Emer O’Hea-Martin and producer Colm Moore.