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IT Carlow student lands own radio show on KCLR96FM

14/12/2020 11:41:00

A fourth year IT Carlow student is combining turntables with timetables after landing her own weekend radio programme on KCLR96FM.

22-year-old Shannon Redmond, from Carlow town and who is in her final year of a BSc (honours) in TV & Media Production at IT Carlow, is the new presenter of KCLR’s Saturday Night Party that broadcasts every Saturday night from 6pm to 8pm.  

Shannon landed the slot after impressing KCLR bosses with her ambition and can-do attitude following an internship at the station where she assisted with programmes such as Saturday Scoreline and The Way It Is, leading to some on-air segments.

“I loved my internship at KCLR and eventually I pitched my idea of a show to the CEO John Purcell and I was delighted when he said ‘yes’ ”, said Shannon.

It’s a step in the right direction for Shannon who wants a career in broadcasting and counts 2FMs Doireann Garrihy and Today FM’s Dermot and Dave amongst her influences.

“I was so nervous at first but once I start talking I’m ok. I did a radio module in the second year of my degree course in TV & media production at IT Carlow so I was familiar with the desk, but I was still nervous of the technology. KCLRs Eoin Carey was wonderful though and sat in on my first show to reassure me”, said Shannon.

“I love radio although I’d eventually like to end up doing television work too. My dream is to be a full-time broadcaster. I want to entertain people – it’s so important to give people a laugh, particularly with all that’s going on right now during the pandemic”, she said.  

Trina Rea, who is the course director of the BSc in TV and Media Production at IT Carlow commented, “Shannon's attitude, as well as her ability, is what makes her stand out. No matter what is asked of her, her reply is always 'no problem'. I know this is only the start of things for her.”

John Purcell, CEO of KCLR96FM said, “We’re delighted to have Shannon on board at KCLR and to have the chance to work with students from IT Carlow’s TV & media production course. Radio is an exciting and fulfilling career and we’re glad to be able to help students as they take the first steps in broadcasting.”