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Author ORCID Identifier

0000-0002-1444-162X

Abstract

From the arrival of pirate radio stations to the establishment of RTÉ 2FM and the later introduction of commercial radio, Irish audiences have had access to various forms of popular music radio for over half a century. Non-chart or ‘alternative’ music programming is a part of the Irish radio landscape that has been under-researched until now. Primarily scheduled late at night, these programmes have had hosts who have fostered intimate connections with smaller, niche audiences through their musical knowledge and personally selected track listings. Looking at industry perspectives from various strands of broadcasting in Ireland, this research examines the value of such programming, positioning the presenters and producers of these programmes as cultural curators. It explores the responsibilities of public service broadcasters and the constraints of an increasingly concentrated commercial sector. It examines the scope of alternative methods of broadcasting through case studies focusing on the potential for digital radio and community-of-interest (student) radio to challenge the traditional role of mainstream broadcasters. While music is still a primary attraction for radio listeners, broadcasters face threats from other media, and music radio is no exception. Streaming platforms, with their algorithmic tendencies, have the potential to replace broadcasting gatekeepers. This work sets out to explore the extent to which there is still a space for alternative programming in a contemporary Irish context.

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