Tag: Brian McColl

  • Radio Days

    Robin Banks
    Robin Banks

    Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with Brian McColl and Robin Banks, who were running what Russell James affectionately called ‘Radio School’.

    Together with maybe twelve other radio hopefuls we shared ideas and got tips on the big bad radio world. Although everyone there had varying levels of experience, it didn’t matter. Each of us was made to feel as special and important as the next person.

    It was a great experience and Robin is a great speaker. His animation in person is quite a treat and is easy to see why he has done so well.

    Brian McColl? We all know Brian is a legend. End of!

    Brian McColl
    Brian McColl

    It would be hard to walk away and not have a positive outlook after that. These guys love what they do and their enthusiasm shows. They strive for a world of better radio, not just the that was, this is jock format.

    Dara Quilty joined in proceedings for a little while, its not surprising he’s doing so well.

    It was great to be surrounded by people who love radio as much as I do. And being honest, it can be hard work but I love every minute of it. The afternoon left me buzzed.

    I think the show I did next after that was the best I had done so far.

    Cheers guys!

  • Listen to the Radio…

    Listen to the Radio…

    This weekend has been all about radio.. I reckon if I went back in time to meet the 16 year old me (shudder) I’d be doing the same as I was this weekend (unsure if that’s a good thing or not).

    I spent yesterday in the company of some Twitter and new friends at a Radio Workshop run by Brian McColl of BMacMedia.com I really enjoyed the day, it was informative, easy to understand and was great basically to get my head back in radio space.

    Brian pointed out some of the things we take for granted on radio, along with cliches to avoid and other tips.

    His special guest speaker was Debbie Allen, who now works on Dublin’s Q102. I found Debbie quite inspirational and listening to her gave me a right kick to get out there and do something.

    So I did.

    Today I did my first live radio show in about 13 years when I co-presented 11-2 on Hot Country (104.2 / 88.1) with the Legend that is Simon Young.

    I was a little on the apprehensive side, not knowing what to expect but it all went swimmingly. We got some real texts from listeners and some great feedback off air from some industry pros. I was gobsmacked as I spoke to Ian Dempsey from Today FM as I waited to do a link 🙂

    I always liked American Country, even though I haven’t consciously listened to any lately, I was surprised that I knew most of the songs on our playlist for today's show. When I think about it, the first thing I ever did was make the tea on Eddie Caffrey's Green Scene on LMFM. Another coincidence, LMFM was broadcasting 20 years this week.. time flies.

    I've figured out now that I as probably too shy to pursue my radio dream when I was so young. But, I have to say the words of encouragement I've received today from not only family but my new Hot Country Friends and listeners mean this time I'm going to grab every chance with both hands.

    The show worked well, myself and Simon clicked, especially when we met for the first time the other night. I'm looking forward to the next 13 weekends on Hot Country 881 and 1042.

    Lastly, Jim and Joe, I said it earlier but thank you so much for this chance! Appreciate it – pity the minidisc only recorded 4 minutes..

    …nessy out!

    🙂 🙂 🙂