Event looks at future of radio in Ireland

Training body Learning Waves Skillnet will be looking at the next 10 years of the radio sector at their event in Dublin this week.

“Radio’s Vision 2024, the next 10 years” will take place at Clontarf Castle on Thursday 4th September, and features a number of speakers from across the industry. The event also marks the 10th birthday of Skillnet.
They are:

Chris Burns – Head of Group Operations, BBC Radio
Michael Wilson – Managing Director UTV Ireland
Matthew Burke – Director of Google’s Corporate Online Sales in Ireland & UK
Brian Reynolds – CEO, Balls Media
Adam Smyth – Editor, BBC Radio Ulster

Organisers say the conference will explore the challenges that lie ahead for radio as its looks to 2024 but more importantly it will look at the opportunities for radio for the next ten years. The mix of speakers will explore opportunities for radio in relation to revenue growth, content generation, audience growth and the skills required to drive stations forward.

Project Manager of Learning Waves Skillnet, Teresa Hanratty told RadioToday.ie: “Radio is a people business, and to succeed the people within the business need to be continually developed in order to meet the ever-changing demands of the industry they work in. Learning Waves Skillnet gives radio people in Ireland access to high quality industry led practical training which ensures that they have the most up to date skills required to work in radio in 2014. Despite a significant drop in commercial revenues since 2008, the Independent Radio Sector in Ireland has remained firm on its commitment to grow and develop its staff.”

Following the conference, Learning Waves Skillnet will host a dinner to mark its 10th Birthday where speakers will include Michael O’Keeffe, CEO from the BAI.