Environment examined in documentary series

Raidió Corca Baiscinn is to broadcast a series entitled The Locals, which incorporates 20 programmes that focuses on “the sonic beauty of the landscape of South West Clare and the creatures that inhabit it”.
Series producer Brian Doyle has spent more than two years collecting the recordings required for this series, using specialised equipment designed to focus in on sounds within the natural environment including a custom-built parabolic microphone.
The soundscapes and sonic environments created by various creatures as they interact with the rugged and distinctive West Clare landscape is hugely connected to the local culture and heritage.  Having spent a couple of thousand years living beside these creatures, their sounds have become part of the music and language.
Each of the 20 programmes in the series is five minutes long and will be broadcast at 3.30pm on ­Tuesdays and 5pm on Fridays, starting on Tuesday September 13.
2011 is the European Year of Volunteering and in a second new series also starting on September 13, Volunteer Diaries, Raidió Corca Baiscinn is going to explore the whole subject of volunteerism through the experiences of volunteers themselves.
Each volunteer diary is a short programme in which a local volunteer with one or more local organisations talks about what they do, why and when. 
The organisations involved ­include Conradh na Gaelige, Doonbeg Drama, ­Kilkee-­Plouhinec Twinning Association, Kilrush RNLI, Kilkee Marine Rescue and the West Clare Currach Club. 
These programmes have been made by former station manager Ciarán Ryan and volunteer producer Davis Gould-Duff.
Each of the 15 episodes will be broadcast on Tuesdays at 3.35pm, beginning on September 13, and every Tuesday thereafter at 3.35pm. They will be repeated on Fridays at 5.05pm on 92.5 and 94.8FM.
The making of both of these ­documentaries has been funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland’s Sound and Vision fund, which provides funding for the making of radio programmes that explore Irish culture, heritage, sport and history.
Meanwhile, departing Raidió Corca Baiscinn station manager Ciarán Ryan’s final task was to confirm the appointment of Conan Brophy as his successor.
Conan has been with the station since early 2009 as its volunteer trainer and brings extensive knowledge and experience of radio and community media to the role.
Ciarán Ryan said he enjoyed his time in his role at the Kilkee-based community radio station.
“I believe that the station has made great progress in the last three years and will continue to go forward, especially with the appointment of Conan Brophy as station manager.
Having worked alongside Conan for over two years, I know that he has the drive and enthusiasm to further develop the station,” he commented.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead and with the support of the staff, board and volunteers, I hope to continue the great work that Ciarán has done here,” Mr Brophy said.
Raidió Corca Baisicnn is South West Clare’s community radio station, broadcasting on 92.5 and 94.8FM, 2-9pm Mondays to Fridays and 2-5pm Saturdays and Sundays.
Programmes range from alternative music shows to sports and documentaries. 
Current highlights in the schedule include a new series about how people access the media, local walks in the area and a full schedule of local sporting coverage, including live commentaries of GAA matches (both men’s and ladies) across West Clare.