Ten journalism graduates will have the opportunity to be placed in one of Ireland's Independent radio stations, including WLR, as part of the Learning Waves ‘Journalism Graduate Programme’ launched today. The graduate programme, jointly funded by Learning Waves, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and Skillnet Ireland, will provide for ten students to receive hands-on training and development, while working in one of the country’s independent radio stations.
The paid internship, which runs for a period of five months, aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge to better understand traditional and new media communication sources, including radio, online and mobile platforms. Students will be assigned a mentor who will oversee a training programme to include the fundamentals of broadcast journalism, content creation, storytelling for radio, audio production, media literacy, broadcast law, voice training, mobile journalism, leadership skills and personal development.
Teresa Hanratty, Project Manager of Learning Waves Skillnet, the training body for the Independent Commercial Radio Sector in Ireland said Learning Waves was delighted to be leading out with the programme again this year:
"The Programme was piloted in 2019 with five students and we’re thrilled that the initiative is catering for ten students this year. Developing new talent for the radio sector is of huge importance to the future proofing of the independent radio sector. Training is a key investment by stations and Learning Waves has been working closely with the sector to create new and innovative ways in the learning and development of talent. The Journalism Graduate Programme is one such initiative.”
Michael O’Keefe, CEO of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland added:
“The BAI is delighted to once again support the Journalism Graduate Programme which facilitates trainers, broadcasters and educators to work together to offer journalism graduates practical skills and experience.
"The importance of reliable and accurate journalism continues to be underscored in the current media environment and this programme is an innovative example of how the broadcasting sector helps to foster journalists for its industry.”
Since 2004, Learning Waves members, along with Skillnet Ireland and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland have invested €4.1 million in the learning and development of those working in the independent radio sector, while at the same time developing programmes to nurture new talent for the sector.
Details of the Student Graduate Programme and the application process can be found at www.learningwaves.ie
Closing date for applications is May 21st, 2021
