Institute of Technology, Sligo and Ocean FM are linking up in a unique venture that will see increased co-operation between the two regional leaders.
As part of the initiative, a new weekly business programme and a weekly campus news feature broadcast during the station’s new youth focused music programme, have been developed. In recognition of this unique collaboration, Ocean FM’s newly rebranded Roadcaster will also be supported by the Institute.
With almost 6,000 students and over 500 staff, IT Sligo is the largest higher education institution in the North West. Ocean FM was the fastest growing local station in 2011 and was voted second in the prestigious Local Station of the Year award at the Annual PPI Radio Awards.
The exciting collaboration is aimed at promoting and improving regional engagement.
The new business programme ‘Up and Running’ will be produced in association with staff at IT Sligo and businesses in the Institute’s Innovation Centre. Starting this Saturday, February 4th at 9.30am, this programme will feature regional business news and interviews with business leaders. Produced and presented by Daniel Browne, it will provide encouragement for budding entrepreneurs and advice on the many enterprise supports available across the region.
Meanwhile, every Tuesday night, Ocean’s new music programme, The Wave, will feature a snapshot of life on campus at IT Sligo from the perspective of students. ‘Campus Beat’ will focus on the non-academic side of the student experience. Produced and presented by Karen Spellman, the programme will air from 10.00pm to midnight Monday to Friday and is targeted at the 15 to 30 age group.
Chief Executive Officer of Ocean FM, Tim Collins, said “ We are really pleased to be making this positive announcement today with IT Sligo. The Institute is a major stakeholder in the region and this relationship represents a very significant milestone for Ocean FM and our listeners. At a time when job creation is so important, our new business programme developed in partnership with IT Sligo will celebrate innovation and focus on business success in the region,” he concluded.
Commenting on the development, Communication Manager at IT Sligo, Sinéad McGovern, said: “IT Sligo is the largest higher education institution in the North West, offering more than 50 CAO courses and almost 40 part time and online courses. The Institute contributes enormously to the economic and social fabric of the North West and we see this link up with Ocean FM as an extension of our outreach into communities throughout the region.”
Head of Innovation at IT Sligo, Niall McEvoy said that ‘Up and Running’ will highlight the daily conversation between the Institute, the Innovation Centre and the business community; “IT Sligo’s Innovation Centre is a fantastic resource for entrepreneurs, new start ups and established businesses. Our team looks forward to working with Ocean FM on this exciting new programme which will share positive news and interesting stories, and offer advice for anyone thinking about getting a business up and running!”
For more information see www.oceanfm.ie and www.itsligo.ie
Image Caption: Pictured with the newly branded Ocean FM Roadcaster at IT Sligo are Tim Collins, CEO, Ocean FM; Terri Scott, President, IT Sligo; James Dillon, IT Sligo Student Union President; Sinéad McGovern, Communication Manager, IT Sligo; Karen Spellman, presenter of The Wave, Ocean FM; Niall McEvoy, Head of Innovation, IT Sligo; Niall Delaney, Head of News and Sport, Ocean FM.