Radio Days Dublin – Day One

Pre-conference functions have begun for Radio Days Europe 2014 today in Dublin.
 
Early arrivals for the big conference that begins tomorrow were able to sample tours of the city or get a little more serious with three afternoon pre-conference workshops.
 
In a city where music and culture are everywhere, delegates could choose from a musical treasure hunt, a literary pub crawl or a tour of Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ.

International sales guru Pat Bryson, who’s on the ground in Dublin reports, “The Radiodays conference doesn’t officially open until  Monday,  but delegates were treated at a lovely and lively evening at Cafe enSeine on Sunday evening. Great Irish music from the Kilkinneys who have a CD coming out soon.

“Irish dance lessons that got easier with more wine and dark beer. Mix with the opportunity  to mix and mingle with radio broadcasters from all over Europe and you have a marvelous evening to being 2 days of information and sharing.” 
 
Three pre-conference workshops were also offered today: Ronan Kelly and Liam O’Brien from RTÉ talked about Storytelling on radio, Valerie Geller tackled the topic of Developing your on-air talent and Mia Costello and Richard Jackson, BBC College of Journalism discussed How to be a Successful Editorial Leader.
 
The talent you put on air is the main reason why your listeners choose to listen to your radio station, says Valerie Geller. Her workshop about developing talent. Just like a top athlete or Olympic competitor, all talent can benefit from coaching, directing and training according to Geller.
 
RTÉ’s documentary department, one of the world’s leading radio story telling units, discussed how they choose their stories, and why? And how do they then shape those stories to maximize their impact on audiences? Good storytelling principles lie at the heart of those decisions, according to Kelly and O’Brien.
 
Communicate your goals and the vision for your newsroom clearly to be able to lead your editorial team effectively, was one of the tips given by Costello and Jackson in the editorial session.
 
Tomorrow’s main event begins at 9am with welcome addresses from Noel Curran, the Director General of RTÉ, and  John Purcell the Director of NewsTalk Ireland’s independent talk radio station, IRE.
 
Pop star turned radio presenter Kim Wilde will also be on the program this year. She will discuss her career and perform at the conference.
 
One of the interesting companies on display at the conference is the Radio Ideas Bank, with ideas and show prep available for presenters. 

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