Meltdown at Manx Radio?

This news published by the Celtic League:

Meltdown at Manx Radio?

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

The Manx social media (Twitter) site ‘MANX MEDIA WATCH’ is carrying an item about rumoured problems at Manx Radio (quote):

“Hearing that a senior news reporter at Manx Radio is thinking of leaving. Some sort of meltdown is doing on up at Douglas Head.”

Whether there’s anything in it or not is a moot point but generally the independent Facebook and Twitter feeds on the Isle of Man often have the news before the mainstream, and in any case this is not a story that Manx Radio (MR) in going to ‘banner’.

If correct it would not be the first time there has been a bail-out (or fall-out) on Douglas Head (where MR is based). Many years ago there was a major ‘change of the (newsroom) guard’ at the station.

However, in those days things were different and several of the well known names went on to carve out a career in print journalism which was as distinguished as their previous stint at broadcasting.

Now journalism opportunities on the Isle of Man are limited. The newspapers are struggling and Manx Radio only maintains the news output that it currently has because the station gets a hefty subvention from government. The other radio stations reliant as they are on commercial sponsorship only will not see any advantage in boosting news output.

Meanwhile the BBC…well!

Some years ago the Celtic League suggested that the broadcast licence fee levied here should be retained a portion paid to the BBC and an amount allocated to stimulate local broadcasting current affairs and news output at both Manx Radio and the two independents, Energy and Three FM.

Perhaps that idea should be revisited. If there was more scope for journalist’s employment they would be more able to vote with their feet if disgruntled.

In the long term that could sharpen up news output on a ‘news hungry’ Island which on many occasions these days gets its ‘breaking news’ on the internet from social media sites.

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
Celtic League

30/05/15

(Please note that replies to correspondence received by the League and posted on CL News are usually scanned hard copies. Obviously every effort is made to ensure the scanning process is accurate but sometimes errors do occur.)

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