RTÉ RAIDIO NA Gaeltachta isn’t like other stations and it doesn’t try to be. It was created because the Irish-speaking people felt their voices weren’t being heard on the airwaves and as a result were being geographically, socially and metaphorically marginalised.
Its inception was somewhat of a struggle but ever since, it has been a lifeline to those who speak Irish.
Fast forward 45 years and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta like so many other media organisations, finds itself in an ever-changing media landscape and coupled with recent CSO figures revealing its core audience of Irish-speakers living in Gaeltacht areas is dwindling, means the station needs to take stock and possibly, re-imagine its future.
There is much to celebrate
The core audience to which the station has been fiercely loyal are undergoing their own struggles, socio-economic conditions have let the areas down and as a result many have gone further afield and the language, like many other minority language is feeling the effects.
Whilst there is reason for concern, there is also much to celebrate. It is a station in which a competition searching for the largest potato, followed by daily death notices and then an astounding interview with a Professor visiting Guantanamo Bay is not unusual.
Its broadcasters are some of the best in country, from comprehensive coverage of elections (both North and South of the border) to an alternative music show which has garnered one of the most loyal audiences nationally and internationally, it’s not short of talent.
On air male to female ratio is around 50-50
That talent isn’t gender specific either, as other radio stations would lead you to believe. To those who aren’t au fait with the schedule, they might be surprised to hear RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta’s on air male to female ratio is around 50-50.
Without heavy-handed policies, strategies or mandates, women and men present current affairs shows, magazine shows, news bulletins, music shows, outside broadcasts and even, the notable potato competition.
RTÉ has recently announced it is undertaking an independent review into gender equality with regard to pay. It’s interesting to note, Raidió na Gaeltachta’s founders, frustrated with being overlooked by mainstream media created a space which has been “woke” well before its time.
Unfortunately, when it comes to debate around the issue of female voices on air, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta is often if not always, omitted from the analysis. As if by being a station broadcasting as Gaeilge, its success and challenges are incomprehensible, invalid to those working in journalism.
I am glad to report those who work in the station are as intelligent and eloquent in both Irish and English.
Undoubtedly, the station is facing challenges like every other traditional media platform, but a station in which women’s voices are nothing but the norm on any topic, when other stations would deem it as progressive, is a station I’d like to get behind.
Siún Ní Dhuinn is RTÉ’s Digital Coordinator for Irish. She is originally from Dundalk but is currently living in Dublin. She doesn’t like being called “an Irish language enthusiast”. Siún is presenting and producing a weekly podcast, Beo ar Éigean, with two staff members of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, Sinéad and Áine. You can expect to hear them discuss anything from dealing with death, friendship and Irish icons.
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