"LIVE FROM RTE STUDIO 8 IN DUBLIN IRELAND......."
It's 5 am in Boston, 10 am in Dublin Ireland. Bill Stephens, morning man for WMJX radio, has just greeted his
Boston audience LIVE from Dublin. This is the point where it all comes together. A year in the planning, the
Third Annual MAGIC OF IRELAND broadcast is ON-THE-AIR.
The MAGIC OF IRELAND broadcast was conceived over three years ago. The concept was to broadcast live
from Ireland, on March 17. The morning drive program was chosen as the vehicle. Hence from 5 am to 9 am
on Saint Patrick's day, Bostonians are treated to a variety of entertainmnet and information from the Emerald
Isle.
Planning for this program has been a year in the making. Phone calls are placed to the Bord Failte (Irish Tourist
Board), to top Irish Entertainers and broadcasters to line up guests for the program. RTE (Radio Telefis
Eirean), the Radio and Television Service of Ireland, is contacted for studio and technical assistance. IDB
Satellite Group for audio circuits from Dublin to Boston, and Aer Lingus the Irish National Airline for
transportation.
In January a logistic trip is made to Dublin by Phil Redo , Executive Producer, and Norm Gagnon, Technical
Director to make a final determination on the choice of studio at RTE and to personally contact some
of the guests.
This year, LIVE music is to the the showcase. Studio 8 was chosen, the second largest studio in the RTE
Radio complex. This large studio will allow WMJX to bring in musical groups, and at the same time allow
space for LIVE interviews.
The first couple of weeks in March are hectic with last minute details. Saturday, March 11, we are gently
whisked from Boston's Logan Airport, on an overnight flight, aboard an Aer Lingus 747 Jumbo jet.
Monday: a trip to RTE to review our technical needs for the broadcast, then on to visist with Joe Lynam
(Bord Failte) for a follow up on the guest list.
Tuesday: a trip to Galway, via Ianrod Eireann/Irish Rail to the west coast of Ireland, where interviews and
music are recorded in an RTE Regioanl studio, for intergration into the Friday broadcast.
Wednesday: A free day, but also used for recording "man-on-the-street material.
Thursday: studio time has been booked at RTE to edit Tuesday's tapes as well as "man-on-the-street".
FRIDAY MARCH 17
The broadcast is hosted in Ireland by WMJX's Bill Stephens and News Director Rod Fritz. Emer O'Kelley,
RTE newscaster, presents the latest Irish news. RTE disjockey Gareth O'Callaghan, co-hosts, providing
WMJX listeners with local insight to the music as well as the performers.
The studio is a beehive of activity with musical guests setting up, while live interviews are being conducted
a few feet away. Meanwhile the control room seems calm, considering the fact that Executive Producer
Phil Redo is trying to weave a coherent and entertaining program from varied sources. There are 15
microphones in the studio, keeping the RTE technician going at a constant fever pitch.
Meanwhile, back in Boston, newsmen, air talent and engineers are also vital partners of or international team.
8:53 am (est) the obligatory credits have been mentioned, the final musical selection is being played from
Boston.
"AND WE ARE CLEAR"
WMJX has aired four hours of LIVE multi-faceted programming from Ireland, via satellite. A sure
award winner, again.