Projects
Ours to Protect
Ours to Protect in association with the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland
‘Ours to Protect’ is a radio and audio project spearheaded by Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) which will sees local and regional radio stations broadcast over 1200 new and unique programmes over the course of a year – all devoted to climate change and climate action. We have been approved by CnaM for the next iteration of this programming initiative and that is expected to take place early in 2025.
Irish Music Month
Irish Music Month is a unique initiative to promote Irish music across independent radio stations around Ireland including payments to artists.
This year’s broadcast celebration of Irish music has been taking place during September and October 2024. It culminated in a final event in The Academy on 15th October.
IBI and Hot Press were so honoured by recognition from the President in a statement of the contribution of independent radio stations in supporting Irish music artists following the final.
The President extended his warmest congratulations to Calum Agnew, who was announced as the recipient of the A New Local Hero Award 2024. The award is part of Irish Music Month, organised by Hot Press and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, and funded by Coimisiún na Meán.
“There is so much extraordinary musical talent in Ireland right now, as was confirmed so emphatically, when independent radio stations all over Ireland chose their own Local Hero, as part of Irish Music Month,” President Higgins said.
“We are in a very special moment here in Ireland, with brilliant young, creative artists like all six finalists delivering works of remarkable imagination, quality and strength.
“Calum Agnew is one of those admirable talents,” said the President. “A truly committed musician who has been writing songs ever since he was a young child.”
“He really has enormous potential – so it is marvellous to see him being recognised in this powerful way,” said the President, noting particularly the support Calum is guaranteed to receive from independent radio stations. The President said he was sure the radio station backing would “open the way for him to move on with confidence to the next level, in what should be a wonderfully productive, long-term career.”
During Irish Music Month, stations…
- Play significantly more Irish music, in all its wonderful diversity – giving a vital additional boost to the profile of Irish artists.
- Participate in a major national talent search for a New Local Hero.
- Run a major campaign of plays and promotion encouraging listeners to support gigs by Irish artists, and to buy Irish music and Irish music merch.
The single by the recipient of the A New Local Hero Award gets to record it in Camden Recording Studios and produced by Cian Boylan – who has worked with Bono, Sinead O’Connor, Gregory Porter, Emily Sandé, Dave Stewart, Van Morrison and David Gray. There is also an Irish language competition Amhrán na Laoch.
The initiative by was announced by Hot Press and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) and launched by the President.
Nominations list here: Irish music month | Hotpress
The event is supported by IMRO, RAAP, MCD Productions, Live Nation, Ticketmaster, Camden Recording Studios and the Rubyworks label.
Ours to Protect
With a membership of 190+ players drawn, we have a high level of competition.
Bíonn an tsraith clár ‘Clár sa Charr’ ar siúl go seachtainiúil ar raidió neamhspleách. Tá sé mar aidhm ag an ngné seo úsáid na Gaeilge labhartha a chur chun cinn i measc tuismitheoirí agus páistí agus iad ag taisteal ar scoil/obair. For further information click here.
Clár sa Charr árna mhaoiniú ag Coimisiún na Meán leis an Táille Ceadúnais Teilifíse
Clár sa Charr is funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the Television Licence Fee.
