UPDATED 26 JULY 2006: This post floated to a high-water mark on this blog after more than 110 people read it within 24 hours of its posting. Fewer than 10 posts a year on this weblog reach that high-water mark of visibility, without being wrapped with porn, sex, and promises of thongs or nipslips.
CONN O MUINEACHAIN goes from award-winner Irish blogger to winning broadcast funding for his podcasts. His application to the BCI was in the list of approved projects under the "Sound and VIsion" category. Check out An Líonra Sóisialta (The Social Network), a series of 64 short episodes over 13 weeks, which aims to introduce the radio-listening, Irish-language community to the world of online social networking. This could lead to a speaking assignment for a Tipperary Institute multimedia graduate.
From his English weblog, Conn writes
An Líonra Sóisialta will be broadcast on Flirt FM beginning in September. At least one other Irish radio station has also expressed an interest. In keeping with its theme, the series will aim to encourage audience participation and so it is hoped, by the time we go on air, that we will have agreements to syndicate the show across a network of independent local and commuunity radio stations in Ireland (and maybe even abroad!)
When Conn met other Irish bloggers during the inaugaral Irish blogs award evening, few knew he had produced more podcasting content than any other person in Ireland. He had a century (of episodes) of reflection with An tImeall prior to spawning An Líonra Sóisialta.
Conn has evolved from being a blogger to a podcaster and now to a broadcaster. He now reaches people who couldn't be bothered with knowing about blogs, iPods or broadband. We knows that because he lives in a broadband blackspot. He knows his Irish speaking audience and he also knows an online audience keen to expand its understanding of Irish, both spoken and written.
Best of luck to Conn O Muineachain as he aims "to introduce the larger offline Irish language community to the nascent global community who are already using online social networking to preserve and promote this ancient and vibrant culture". Over here in Tipp, we can see a little of what's evolving in the blog, wiki and mailing list. If you're reading this and you have a marketing budget, you should get in touch with a proven channel to an attentive audience. This is a unique opportunity to raise the profile of an Irish brand.
The Sound and Vision scheme is funded by 5% of the TV licence fee. Image of Conn O Muineachain snapped during the podcasting break-out session during the inaugural Irish blog awards.
Conn O Muineachain -- "Public service podcasting"
An Timeall episode #146 Feadáin takes listeners to the breakfast table where the conversation is more engaging than some of the AC breakfast sessions.
James Corbett -- "Irish radio show to focus on social networking"
Paul Browne -- "Public Service Podcasting"
