Mary Immaculate College (MIC) academic Dr Rosemary Day has launched her new book ‘On The Air: 100 Years of Irish Radio’, exploring the history and enduring influence of radio in Ireland.
Dr Day, Head of the Department of Media and Communication Studies at MIC, charts the story of Irish radio from the first broadcast of Radio Éireann on 1 January 1926 to the present day, exploring how radio has shaped how we see ourselves and the world around us.
From music and sport to news, current affairs and entertainment, the book examines how radio has reflected Ireland’s changing society while remaining a constant presence in the lives of generations. The book also tells the stories of some of the most recognisable voices in Irish broadcasting, including Frankie Byrne, Gay Byrne, Din Joe, Dave Fanning, Marian Finucane and Mícheál Ó hEithir.
On The Air also explores the experiences of women in broadcasting, the role of Irish on the airwaves, the emergence of pirate radio and the development of internet radio, charting how the medium has evolved over the past century.
Speaking about the book, Dr Rosemary Day said:
“This book is the story of the development of radio in Ireland, and looks at how radio influenced Irish people and the nation over the past 100 years. I had a great time researching it, and I hope that people will enjoy reading it. It tells the stories of the programmes, the broadcasters who made them and the listeners who tuned in to the box in the corner for most of the last century. Radio is still listened to by 80% of Irish adults today; it hasn’t gone away, but it is often ignored and underestimated. This book puts the spotlight on radio and its influence on us all.”
For further information on ‘On The Air: 100 Years of Irish Radio’, click here.
