The changing face of the local media just lit up with a smile this week as Colm McAlarney of FM105 community radio interviewed Jim Masson of Down News at his office based at the Down Business Centre in Downpatrick.
Down News is an innovative digital news platform, still evolving, and brings news to its readers each day on local issues that matter to the people of the County Down area. And Down News is delighted to work with FM105 in helping to bring news to the wider public across the Downpatrick district.
Following my first radio interview touching on Down News, where it is coming from and what it does, I then moved into a brief cover of the Newry Mourne and Down District Council full council meeting on Monday evening past which touched on a number of key issues affecting the people of this District. Then the tables were turned. Colm chatted to me about FM105 and it was my chance to interview him… a quid pro quo.
Looking back over his journey in journalism, Colm explained that he has spent 14 years in television and radio working for UTV most of that time. “I did an MA at Ulster University in media studies and have really enjoyed working in the media since then. As I was married and with a young family, I tried to address the work-life balance and eventually opted for working in a community radio station. So I ended up at the Lisburn and Bangor SERC radio stations, and now I am managing the Downpatrick station. This is a great fit in my life and I really enjoy it.
“I have to re-build the FM105 radio from the bottom up which I am in the middle of doing. I do have a strong feel for this area having come from Kilkeel and I have many relations around Downpatrick and Strangford.
“Basically, I got involved in the Downpatrick station management this summer so it has been all go from the start.
“The radio runs 24/7 and this afternoon, that is every Wednesday from 3-5pm, I will be hosting ‘Downpatrick Live‘. It will focus on issues and events that are important to the people of the Downpatrick area in the past week or so. Recently I interviewed politician Colin McGrath MLA, and the Down Community Arts, and our aim is to keep things topical and lively.”
Colm attended the clan gathering of the Denvir family in Strangford’s Inverbrena Hall just over a week ago and interviewed many of the family members from the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, Scotland, England, Wales and the ROI, and locally in Northern Ireland and near Strangford. He will be presenting this is due course.
“I am a member of the Denvir family and they are part of my connection with the Downpatrick area so this was a very special event for me and I had great pleasure in recording on this.”
Looking ahead, Colm explained that he will be recruiting a number of volunteer community journalists to build up the content for FM105. “This will be radio for the people of Downpatrick by the people of Downpatrick. I am keen to talk to anyone who would like to make a contribution to our radio programmes. I really want local people to get involved.
“Training will be provided. This will be a great voluntary experience for young people in particular who want to develop their communication skills and get involved in the radio station. There is an opportunity for people to promote the activities and events they are passionate about. If you are interested, drop me (Colm McAlarney) an email at:
management@FM105radio.com
“I would even do a sports show or a round up and reports if I had the volunteers to come forward and help put this together. It is an opportunity for people to follow their passions and interests. This experience will certainly help build up a person’s employability with an interesting CV of competencies.”
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