Presenter Q&A
We're delighted to welcome Lauren Lynch to our Presenter Q&A.
Lauren took over the 'Out The Gap' show on Clare FM from Brian McEvoy and has made it her own.
So, we wanted to know how she got there and what she likes about being on air everyday.
1. Who inspired you to work on air?
I dont think it was one specific person who inspired me, but if I had to choose it would be former WLR presenter Ian Noctor, all down to the fact I went to WLR for work experience in TY and was working with him and he inspired me to go to college and study radio.
2. How did you get your break?
I got my break in Spin South West back in 2019, before I even completed my degree. They needed an Irish speaking presenter and that’s just who I was, got Pop Raidió and the rest is history!
3. Prep - how much do you feel, is enough?
When I first started in radio, I prepped to near every second, but as I went on and got more experience, I realised it’s live radio and you cannot prep as much as you think you can. At the moment on my show Out The Gap, I have showbiz news which I prep before the show and my Irish artist of the week I would prep too. Other than that I mainly go with the flow.
4. Favourite part of your show?
I think my favourite part of my show is I get to call it mine and I own it! I also love my Irish artist of the week segment as I get to give smaller Irish artist a platform on radio to speak about themselves and have their track heard by everyone around the county.
5. Which on air person do you admire (anywhere in the world)?
I think if I was to choose anyone around the world it would be Zoe Ball as she was BBC’s first female presenter for Radio 1 and Radio 2 if I recall. It’s amazing to see how many females have graced the industry.
You can find Lauren weekdays 3-7pm on Clare FM:
https://www.clare.fm/radio-schedule/out-the-gap-with-brian-mcevoy/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/lniloingsigh
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-lynch-1b7437132?
The latest edition of Presenter Q&A welcomes 98FM Morning host, Brendan O'Loughlin. London born Brendan works alongside co-host Rebecca Shekleton on The Big Breakfast, Mon-Fri on the legendary Dublin station.
Here are his 5 Questions:
1. Who inspired you to work on air?
Dermot & Dave's chemistry and chaotic energy! I fell in love with them when they were on breakfast on 98FM.
2. How did you get your break?
I started reading the news on 98FM when I was 17 (!) I'd do the breakfast show, and run to college straight after.
3. Prep - how much do you feel, is enough?
I think most presenters are almost always prepping in their head. Thinking of how mundane life stuff could be something fun on air. I like when the show is prepped, but with space to do something off-the-cuff.
4. Favourite part of your show?
So many! Little Wins after 7:30am is always great. Listener reaction to Matchy Matchy after 8am has blown our minds, and I love finding bizarre stories for Brendan's Bit after 9am.
5. Which on air person do you admire (anywhere in the world)?
Nick Grimshaw makes it seem effortless. The way he tells a story and the way he is with guests is outstanding add text.
Catch Brendan here: 98FM's Big Breakfast with Rebecca and Brendan | www.98fm.com
Vikki Martin - Radio Nova
In our latest Q&A, we asked Radio Nova's Friday Night Rock Show presenter Vikki Martin our 5 Questions.
1. Who inspired you to work on air?
Marty Whelan, Alison Curtis, Gerry Ryan, Gay Byrne.
2. How did you get your break?
Oh wow, well a series of FORTUNE EVENTS LOL. So, got a job on an internet rock radio station during the lockdown, was invited to take part in RadioStar got into the top 10, did a masters degree in Radio & TV production and then one day got a call from Nova after submitting my demo and here I am.
3. Prep - how much do you feel, is enough?
Yikes! So it depends! My show is a specialist music show so anywhere from 2- 3 days pre production/research.
4. Favourite part of your show?
THE LISTENERS!
5. Which on air person do you admire (anywhere in the world)?
Oh em -
Delilah Rene. Lauren Laverne oh oh and a guilty pleasure of mine is Howard Stern.
>> Hear Vikki, Friday's on Radio Nova from 10pm
The Friday Night Rock Show with Vikki Martin - Radio Nova
>> Find Vikki on Insta: https://instagram.com/vikkibmartin
Jason Collins - East Coast FM
1. Who inspired you to work on air?
Gerry Ryan. I was working with a guy delivering furniture one summer and all the guy ever had on was 2FM. Gerry was a legend, witty, clever and has that knack for getting people to completely open up and let you in on their trauma. The guest would cry, he's be crying and you'd be choked up too. That's rare as hens teeth now.
2. How did you get your break?
Short answer is some gigs with KFM after meeting with Paul Power but the longer answer is the help I got from Andy Clarke who was running Communicorp's online training radio station FRQ.fm. So many great people came through that and a lot have to thank Andy for his guidance and being a great guy in Radio.
3. Prep - how much do you feel, is enough?
Oh my weekend shows, I feel people want to know what sport is happening, what entertainment is on and what's on the box later. So I prep links for all of that. I pride myself on that content plus my music knowledge.
4. Favourite part of your show?
Nailing a great intro into a song, nothing beats the feeling of that perfect link.
5. Which on air person do you admire (anywhere in the world)?
Tom Dunne. Love the voice and how he presents. Friendly, enthusiastic and a bit cheeky. He seems like he'd be great craic on a night out.
You can hear Jason weekends on East Coast FM.
https://www.eastcoast.fm/on-air/presenters1/
Follow him on Insta: https://instagram.com/jaycollinsradio
Andrew Morrissey - Radio Kerry
1. Who inspired you to work on air?
I used to love the windups with Mick Mulcahy on 96fm on my way to school in the 90s. I remember thinking what a cool job he does. Also guys like Phillip Bourke (former Red FM), Emmet Kennedy (former 96fm), Ken Tobin C103, Damien Farrelly Classic Hits, Tony Fenton RIP. Some of these guys are good friends now but loved listening to all of them.
2. How did you get your break?
I worked on pirate radio first and while at college I sent demos everywhere while I was doing overnights on 96fm and Radio Kerry offered me a temp contract for the summer in 2008. I’m there since.
3. Prep - how much do you feel, is enough?
Prep is vital. It’s hard to put together a decent show if you just switch on the mic and have nothing to say. I think over prep is best. Just in case the whole studio falls down around you and you need something to fall back on.
4. Favourite part of your show?
My Co-Presenter Elaine Kinsella. We get on very well and have good craic.
5. Which on air person do you admire (anywhere in the world)?
Big fan of The Neil Prendeville show in Cork and I think KC on breakfast is brilliant. Outside of Ireland I love Jase and Lauren on Nova in Melbourne.
Hear Andrew weekday mornings on Radio Kerry.
https://www.radiokerry.ie/shows/kerrys-full-breakfast-with-andrew-morrissey-elaine-kinsella
You'll find him on Insta at http://instagram.com/andrewradiodj
Chris Murray LMFM
1. Who inspired you to work on air?
My uncle John Bryan's, He worked on a pirate station called 'Radio City 257' in Capel street Dublin and asked me if I wanted to help him answer the phones, He let me play some music on the air it was records & tapes at the time. I was only young and from then on I got the radio bug.
2. How did you get your break?
I was listening to Joe Doyle on Radio Dublin in 1990 and heard him say that they were looking for presenters, I gave him a call and he said I had a good speaking voice & could I start on Monday from 6pm till 8pm.
3. Prep - how much do you feel is enough?
Prep is key, You can never have enough as it gives you more confidence for the show knowing you have your homework done, I'm always on LMFM mode and the key for the breakfast show is local, local, local.
4. Favourite part of your show?
Breaking News In Your House, It's all about what's happening in our listeners lives whether it's a new baby being born, Couples getting married, Holiday plans or Buying a new car.
5. Which on-air person do you admire (anywhere in the world)?
Andy Preston, Great friend of mine for over 35 years, From working with him on pirate radio in the 90s to listening to his effortless style of presenting.
You can hear Chris weekday mornings HERE and follow him on Instagram @chrismurraylmfm