Fans of iconic Cork radio show 'upset' as new Ryan Tubridy show takes half its airtime
Derry O'Callaghan and Ryan Tubridy. Pictures: 96FM/Gareth Chaney Collins
One of Cork’s most-loved radio shows has been slashed in half to make way for Ryan Tubridy’s new weekend show.
From this Sunday, the programme on Cork’s 96FM — which had an audience reach of 60,000 people on Sundays in the most recent JNLR figures, making it one of Cork's most popular shows — will be broadcast for two hours only, instead of four as has been the case for over three decades.
Presented by veteran broadcaster Derry O’Callaghan, the show features a mix of opera and Irish favourites, and has had a regular slot on the radio station’s Sunday morning schedule since 1991.
It is regarded by many as an integral part of Sunday mornings and is viewed by many as an institution.
In 2018, Mr O'Callaghan was honoured with a civic and community award by then lord mayor Cllr Tony Fitzgerald for his work hosting the show since the early 1990s, with Mr O'Callaghan specifically recognised for the special connection he has with his listeners, both at home and overseas.
But Cork’s 96FM has confirmed that from this Sunday, the show which has been broadcast for years between 10am and 2pm will now be broadcast between 12noon and 2pm.
The 10am to 12pm slot will feature a new show presented by Ryan Tubridy, who made his Virgin Radio UK debut on Tuesday with his new weekday show, which is being broadcast from London and simulcast on Dublin’s Q102.
Virgin Radio UK, Q102 and Cork’s 96FM are all owned by the same company — the Wireless Group.
Part of Tubridy’s deal includes a two-hour Sunday morning show across the Wireless Ireland radio group of stations, which includes Q102, Cork’s 96FM, Live 95 in Limerick and LMFM in Louth.
Mr O'Callaghan thanked people for their kind comments, and also said he realises that his show "isn't everyone's cup of tea" but pointed out that it was number one in its slot ahead of all local, national and quasi national stations.
"And that is due entirely to the EPLs, the ever present listeners, the FTLs, the forced to listen, and the occasional listeners," he said.
"I look forward to continuing that relationship from 12.05pm on Sunday — after I have an extra lie-in."
Wireless has been asked to comment.Â
Chief executive and station director of Cork’s 96FM and C103, Kieran McGeary, confirmed the schedule change.
“I can confirm that , presented by the brilliant Derry O'Callaghan, moves to a new time slot from 12noon to 2pm every Sunday,” he said in a statement.
“At the same time, we're delighted to welcome the inimitable Ryan Tubridy to our schedule and our listeners' ears in a brand new show from 10am to 12pm.
“With broadcasting from 8am to 10am, 96FM is starting 2024 with the must-listen soundtrack for Cork's Sunday morning.”Â
The changes will not affect the C103 schedule.
Sinn FĂ©in Cork city councillor Mick Nugent expressed disappointment at the decision to slash the show airtime and said many of his constituents were angry at the decision.
“It’s a much loved show, it’s a Cork institution, at home and abroad, and I think there is a lot of upset about the decision to cut it in half," he said.
“I think someone has underestimated or overlooked the value and draw of but this shows what happens when local media becomes part of a wider conglomerate.”
It is understood Mr Tubridy’s new weekend show will be a mix of live and pre-recorded material tailored specifically for Irish listeners, and that it will not be an edited highlights package of material from his UK weekday show.
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