The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland will host a special evening celebrating the evolution of radio in Ireland, as part of Culture Night 2016.
The event will be co-hosted by radio personality Brendan Balfe, and take place on Friday, 16th September.
Visitors to the BAI building at 2-5 Warrington Place, Dublin 2 will be able to explore a free exhibition marking the centenary of the first broadcast in Ireland in 1916, and the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the country’s first radio service, 2RN. The exhibition will include storyboard and listening points, offering a variety of audio clips recorded over the last century.
A selection of radio equipment from the Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio will also be on display for the evening. This event is free and no tickets or pre-booking is required. It will be open to the public from 6pm to 10pm.
In addition, radio personality and historian Brendan Balfe, will present two short talks focussing on the history of Irish Radio. The first talk, “Ireland Calling”, will look at the role public service, commercial and community radio has played in the social and historical development of Ireland. The seconds talk, “Clips on the Ear”, will feature some audio clips from the radio archives.
The BAI is inviting radio stations across the country to submit interesting audio clips and archive material to mark the celebrations.
Both of these events are free to the public but admission is by ticket only that can be pre-booked online.
Speaking about the BAI events at Culture Night, Professor Pauric Travers, Chairperson of the BAI, said; “The BAI is delighted to participate in Culture Night for a fourth year and the theme this year is very much one of celebration and remembrance.
“Irish people love radio and what makes this event so special is that it will give a snapshot of the many ways in which radio has, through the years, captured history, culture and the mood of the country at all levels, from national to community.
“We are looking forward, once again, to welcoming visitors to our building and to showcasing, through the exhibition and the talks with Brendan, all that is best about this unique medium.”