My luckiest career break may well have been a literal one. It happened 40 years ago this month. I could be a very happy headmaster somewhere now if it hadn’t happened. Though I suspect my break really was for the best.
2fm
The Errors of My Ways – Off Message 51
Mistakes, I’ve made a few, but then again, too many not to mention…
With apologies to Ol’ Blue Eyes and Paul Anka, I was reminded the other week of one the many both major and minor cock-ups that have littered my media career to date.
Podcast 1: Dave Fanning – Off Message 41
The debut Off Message podcast, featuring the media-related wit and wisdom of RTÉ 2fm’s music-and-movie-mad Dave Fanning.
Over the course of our chat Dave reminisces about his almost completely accidental career journey; how his RTÉ career hasn’t exactly gone to plan; whether he’d ever ask U2 the hard questions; his unconventional advice for succeeding in the media world, and at a typical Fanning rate of knots, of course much, much more.
Honesty The Best Policy? – Off Message 37
Real honesty in the media is a rare thing.
I don’t mean in its coverage and output.
No, I’m talking about the honesty of those of us lucky enough to work in the business when we’re discussing in public the day-to-day workings of our job.
And my blogposts to date prove I’m as guilty as anyone else.
The Waiting Game – Off Message 36
When freelancing work dries up (or at least goes eerily quiet for a while) you’re forced to get your pitching mojo back on.
Which is where I’m at right now, partially because of Brexit, surprisingly enough.
And whatever the outcomes it’s the waiting that kills you.
Changing Times – Off Message 30
As I left RTÉ last week at the end of another long run there I was very aware that I hadn’t a gig lined up to go to anywhere else anytime soon.
Oddly I wasn’t too worried, which as a freelancer is a very weird feeling.
Enjoy The Silence – Off Message 21
It was an odd few months not being able to post on social media about the recent marriage referendum.
Instead I just shouted at my telly, radio and laptop.
Unlicensed To Thrill – Off Message 17
When Radio Eireann had a monopoly on Irish airwaves pirate radio was the only realistic outlet for the majority of folk with any broadcasting ambitions.
Including yours truly.
It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas – Off Message 16
Now the taxman has done damage to bank balances it is indeed beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
And it’s a particularly weird period in TV and radio.
Get Lucky – Off Message 13
In media or any other business don’t ever underestimate the importance of luck.
Likewise don’t over-estimate the role of your own talents and hard work.
Choose Me – Off Message 12
How humiliating are auditions?
I’ve only ever done ten; and I got three of those, a pretty decent batting average.
Unsurprisingly so I’ve never minded them.
