Episode one of John Greene's Radio Diary explained how I became involved in Pirate Radio, while at the same time holding down a job as a bus driver with Ireland's National Transport Company - CIE.
In Episode Two I continue the unintentional journey into radio as I became part of what were now known as 'The Super Pirates'. This was our first time getting paid for Radio work and it felt quite good. I was enjoying it, but knew also deep down that it wouldn't last. And it didn't. All Pirate Radio Stations in were legally obliged to close on New Year's Eve of 1988. This, as far as I was concerned had to be the very end of an enjoyable journey. Little did I know that nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the journey was only really about to begin.
When I entered the world of radio over forty years ago, there were no schools, colleges, classes or courses to help you or teach you. It was a case of keep your eyes and ears open, self teach, sink or swim. Most of us from that era did however attend PRUC, or Pirate Radio University College. In my case I spent a number of years with Capital Radio in Cork, one of a number of Pirate Radio stations in the City at the time. My total pay for the entire period was five pounds, but I wouldn't have changed it for anything. The fun and camraderie will never be forgotten. There were many talented presenters who never followed up afterwards to make it a full-time career in Independent or National radio.
Personally, I had no intention of doing so myself. It just, 'sort of happened'. My Mother was flabbergasted and disappointed to think that I would leave a secure job as a bus driver with what was then CIE, and follow a fickle career.. Why did I do so? Well, two main reasons. Music had always taken precedent over my time in Secondary school. So, to get a job that allowed me to play music for a living was definitely an attraction. However, the main selling point was that I had moved to England, got homesick and wished to come home. Radio provided that opportunity for me. Once I got home, I could always search for another job. After over forty years in radio, I guess that search is well and truly over by now.. The Podcast episodes allow me to share my experiences with you, talk to other people in the industry and while none of us are Radio Experts,we will offer guidelines for those of you are thinking seriously or otherwise of making radio a career. Maybe, after years spent presenting music programmes, an award winning Current affairs programme and presenting and producing radio documentaries, I hope I have something to offer the would-be radio guru. I hope you enjoy it.