What happens when you bring a group of people together for seven weeks, give them access to a radio studio and encourage them to talk about something that matters to them?

Have a listen!

Our latest Media & Broadcasting graduates have turned their ideas into radio, and we’ve brought seven of their individual pieces together for this special Near FM programme.

Meet our new voices

00:00 — Welcome from Jaye Palmer

00:27 — David Smith: Life Changed… And So Did I
Life’s unexpected changes, new beginnings and finding another direction.
Music: “Close Enough”, Victor Lundberg.

04:26 — Kate Mara: The Power of Positivity
The power of positivity, self-belief and taking those first small steps.
Music: “Last Light”, Breakmaster Cylinder.

08:29 — Stephen Broaders: Join a Club
How joining a sailing club opened up a world of friendships, confidence and opportunities.
Closing music: “Sailing”, Mike Oldfield.

11:58 — Niamh McDonagh: Film Scores and Critical Thinking
How film music shapes our emotions and influences the way we interpret what we see.
Music: Excerpts from the score of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, composed by John Williams.

15:56 — Tomás Connolly: Referee Abuse
Drawing on his own refereeing experience to challenge abuse towards match officials

18:45 — Cliodhna Mahony: Fostering
The importance of foster carers and the difference they make in children’s lives

23:00 — Julie Woods-Byrne: What Is Community?
Why community matters and how small acts of kindness can make a difference.
Opening music: “We Move Lightly” — Dustin O’Halloran.
Closing music: “Arrival of the Birds” — The Cinematic Orchestra.

27:08 — Closing words from Jaye Palmer

Fancy adding your voice to the airwaves?

Seven subjects, seven perspectives and seven people discovering what they can achieve behind a microphone.

At Near FM, we believe everyone has a story worth telling and everyone deserves a chance to be heard.

Find out more about our radio and podcast training opportunities by emailing training@near.ie or visiting nearfm.ie/join.

Produced and presented by Jaye Palmer