CONFIRMATION of not one but two places on the shortlists of the IMRO National Radio Awards 2019 has been greeted with delight by the team at Waterford's number one radio station, WLR!
Just seven months after launching, 'Déise Today' with Damien Tiernan, the programme is in contention for the prize of Best Current Affairs Programme (local/national) while the station's second nomination is for 'Jetty Stars', a radio play written by Noel Kelly.
The IMROs recognise the 'creme de la creme' of radio broadcasting each year and is a major highlight of the radio calendar for both national and local radio stations in Ireland.
Damien Tiernan joined WLR in February last and has proved a huge hit with the Waterford public on the 'Deise Today' current affairs/talk show. The show is produced daily by Jennifer Long who is also Current Affairs Editor at WLR.
Damien Tiernan said he is both “humbled and honoured” to have been nominated for these prestigious awards.
“I am particularly excited that this nomination has come within months of my new career as presenter of 'Deise Today', a programme that I have long admired,” he said.
Jennifer Long, meanwhile, says Damien's impact on the show has been immense.
“Damien has brought a great energy and passion to the show. He has a great ability to chase a story and get to the heart of it on air and this has been reflected in the show's ratings, even at this early stage,” she said.
Michael Byrne, Programme Director at WLR, added that the nomination for 'Deise Today' had come as no surprise to him.
“Damien has made a huge contribution to WLR and 'Deise Today' specifically in just seven months on the station and this nomination is very much deserved,” said Michael.
“We wish the 'Deise Today' team and Noel Kelly the very best for the awards on October 4.”
'Jetty Stars' was broadcast in October as part of the Imagine Arts Festival and features Waterford actress Lorraine Murphy. She plays the part of Stella, a former prostitute, just released from prison having served a 17-year sentence for the brutal murder of her lover and pimp.
The play is set on the deserted docks and wharves of the Waterford Quayside.
Prior to the main awards night on October 4, the 'IMRO Hall of Fame Induction' ceremony will be held at the BAI offices on Tuesday, September 24. Four new inductees with be awarded the honour and join the list of those who have made significant contributions to radio in Ireland. WLR has two people already on this hall of fame...WLR Managing Director Des Whelan and the late, great presenter Billy McCarthy.
WLR has been very successful In winning awards in the past. At this year's IMROs, WLR is also in for contention for Local Station of the Year, an award the station has won twice in the last decade. The awards are sponsored by IMRO and the BAI (Broadcasting Authority of Ireland) with the ceremony announcing the winners taking place at the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny on Friday, October 4 next.
