PJ Coogan becomes permanent host of 96FM’s flagship talk show

Veteran broadcast journalist PJ Coogan is set to go head-to-head with his former colleague Neil Prendeville after he was appointed the permanent host of Cork’s 96FM’s flagship talk show.

Station chief executive Kieran McGeary confirmed the appointment during a staff briefing at the station’s Broadcasting House headquarters last night. He was unavailable for comment last night.

Mr Coogan, who has been with the station since 1989 and its chief news correspondent since 2007, has been a regular stand-in host for the morning show.

He has been hosting it since its former presenter, Mr Prendeville, announced his shock departure to rival station RedFM last month.

Mr McGeary told staff last night that Mr Coogan will fill the role full time. His production team will include Cork Independent editor, Deirdre O’Shaughnessy, who will leave the paper to edit the show, and co-producer, Brenda Dennehy.

Educated in Colaiste Chríost Rí, Mr Coogan began his broadcasting career with RTE Cork in 1987.

In 1989 he moved to the former Radio South FM, which went on to become 96FM, working in its newsroom. He moved to news full time in 1993, became deputy news editor in 1995 and its chief reporter in 2007. He has anchored the station’s local, national, and European election coverage since 1994. He is also the regular substitute presenter for the station’s award-winning Arts House how.

The Irish Examiner first reported Mr Prendeville’s departure from 96FM on February 20.

His experienced production team, senior producer Emer O’Hea-Martin and producer Colm Moore, have since left the station to join him at RedFM.

They will begin broadcasting their new show from the station’s Bishopstown studios on March 31.

Speaking at the time, Mr Prendeville said 96FM would fill his shoes. “I wish whoever that will be the very best of luck,” he said.