Mullingar presenter shortlisted for two IMRO Radio Awards
Midlands 103 presenter Peter Dunne is celebrating after being shortlisted for two national IMRO Radio Awards.
The Mullingar man, who has presented Breakfast with Peter Dunne on Midlands 103 for four years, has been shortlisted in the Breakfast Programme category, and a one-off music special he created has also made the national shortlist in the Music Special/Event category.
The IMRO Radio Awards recognise the best of radio programming and talent in Irish broadcasting.
Peter said: “It’s an absolute privilege. These awards are held in such high regard, and to be recognised as being in the top five breakfast shows in the country is fantastic.”
While Breakfast with Peter Dunne broadcasts across Westmeath, Offaly and Laois every weekday morning, Peter says its identity is firmly rooted in the community he calls home.
“Nothing beats broadcasting to your own community, where you live, socialise, volunteer and are part of the community,” he said. “Nothing beats it.”
The Breakfast Show is built on local stories, feel-good music, humour, listener interaction and the nature of live radio.
“No two shows are ever the same. There’s the unpredictability, the laughter, the feel-good music and coming together when something happens locally.”
Peter says the most important part of the programme is the audience.
“The listeners are the heartbeat of the Breakfast Show. I always emphasise that I present the show – it’s not my show. It belongs to everyone else but me, and that’s why the listeners will always be the priority.”
He describes the relationship between the programme and its audience as “one midlands community”.
The second national shortlist recognises a different side of Peter’s broadcasting.
His Music Special/Event was a one-off programme exploring the making of the Fugees’ landmark album The Score on its 30th anniversary.
The programme delved into the extensive range of music sampled on the album and explored how those influences helped create one of the defining records of the 1990s.
“I had so much fun making it. I loved exploring the music that was sampled to make The Score possible since its release 30 years ago, and showing listeners how it was created from a small basement in New Jersey and went on to sell tens of millions.”
The double shortlist means that after four years behind the microphone on Breakfast with Peter Dunne, the Mullingar will now represent the midlands on the national stage in two categories.
He believes the recognition also highlights what local radio can achieve. “To be recognised nationally is a huge honour, but what makes it particularly special is knowing that this comes from a programme made here, for the people here. That connection with our listeners across Westmeath, Offaly and Laois is what makes local radio so special.”»
The winners will be announced at the IMRO Radio Awards on October 2 at Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny.