A new programme is giving journalism graduates the opportunity to be placed in one of Ireland's independent radio stations.
The Learning Waves 'Journalism Graduate Programme' - jointly funded by Learning Waves, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) and Skillnet Ireland - will provide for 10 students to receive hands-on training and development, while working in one of the country's independent 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 also be assigned a mentor to oversee a training programme including the fundamentals of broadcast journalism, storytelling for radio, audio production, broadcast law, voice training and mobile journalism.
Teresa Hanratty is project manager of Learning Waves Skillnet, the training body for the independent commercial radio sector.
She said: "Learning Waves is delighted to be leading out with the Journalism Graduate Programme in partnership with the BAI.
"The programme was piloted in 2019 with five students and we're thrilled that the initiative is catering for 10 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."
BAI CEO Michael O'Keefe said: "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 development of such cross sectoral partnerships is to be welcomed and the expansion of the programme this year to offer 10 internships reflects the success of the initiative, first operated by Learning Waves in 2019."
2019 graduates pictured with Lena Murphy, Learning Waves chairperson, and Michael O'Keeffe, CEO of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. Picture: SuppliedMr O'Keefe added: "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.
"The programme will offer journalism graduates valuable insights into the sector as well as pathways for career development and the BAI would like to wish all participating this year the best of luck."
Details of the programme, and the application process, can be found on the Learning Waves website.
The closing date for applications is May 21st 2021.
