WLR has announced the appointment of Kieran Foley as Head of News and Sport, and unveiled its new-look News, Sport and Current Affairs offering.
The new line-up is part of WLR's drive to continue its comprehensive coverage of all things Waterford related.
Kieran, who joined WLR in January, previously worked as News Editor at The Munster Express. He takes up his new position at WLR as the station continues to expand its multimedia offering in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Kieran will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the station’s News and Sports output, as well as managing and developing a news content strategy for WLR.
Commenting on his appointment, the Kilmacthomas native said he was delighted to be entrusted with the role.
"Since joining WLR, I have been hugely impressed with the station's professionalism and dedication to providing top class news, sport and current affairs coverage for listeners across Waterford city and county," he said.
"WLR is committed to Waterford, and I aim to ensure that our talented team of journalists continue to deliver stories that matter to the people of Waterford in a timely and professional manner. I'd like to thank my predecessor, MaryAnn Vaughan, for her invaluable help and advice. I'd also like to thank all my colleagues at the Broadcast Centre for their ongoing support."
Announcing the news this week, WLR’s Managing Director, Des Whelan said: “The board of WLR are very pleased to appoint Kieran Foley to the Head of News and Sport role with the station.”
“Kieran has a reputation for producing quality content, and of course, he has a great passion for Waterford and is ideally placed to lead a dedicated and news-driven team that ensures WLR is always first with Waterford news and sport.”
WLR’s Programme Director, Michael Byrne said:
“WLR has seen many positive changes over the past number of years, and I have every confidence Kieran will steer the news and sports department forward and maintain WLR as the leading news and information outlet for Waterford.”
Jordan Norris is also returning to WLR, having previously been part of the WLR team that won the Gold Local News Programme of the Year award at the IMRO National Radio Awards in 2021.
From Dungarvan, Jordan brings a multitude of experience back to the Broadcast Centre, having previously worked for the Racing Post, The Munster Express and Waterford News & Star.
"It's a very exciting time to be coming back to WLR as part of an outstanding news, sport and current Affairs team", said Jordan.
"WLR is Ireland's Local Station of the Year four years running for a reason, and once the opportunity presented itself to return, there was never a second thought. I'm really excited to work with Kieran Foley and the team, which will be a trusted source of information in the years ahead."
Des Whelan said: “We are also very pleased to welcome Jordan Norris back to WLR. Jordan is one of the most talented young journalists in Irish radio and we are delighted to have his energy and enthusiasm back in WLR’s newsroom.”
Journalists Kyle Butler and Dymphna Nugent, both from Tramore, also recently joined the WLR newsroom. Dymphna, who previously worked at the Waterford News & Star, joins Oliver Carroll as part of the new look 'Big Breakfast Blaa'which airs Monday to Friday from 7am-10am.
Commenting on the new look news, sport and current affairs line-up, Michael Byrne said:
“WLR is proud of its track record, and proud to be part of everyday life in Waterford. The news, sport, and current affairs team are passionate about making great radio daily for Waterford listeners. We are in a period of great listenership growth and with the success of WLR in the online space, we see these new appointments as key to our future success.”
The newsroom will work closely with the award winning 'Deise Today', presented by Damien Tiernan and produced by Current Affairs Editor Jennifer Long, and will also work closely with WLR Sports Journalist and On The Ball presenter, Nigel Kelly.
