PERSONNEL changes are in the pipeline at Clare FM with a new presenter set to take over the hugely popular Morning Focus current affairs show from Tuesday next, June 8.
Clonlara resident Alan Morrissey (40) takes over the award-winning daily talk show from Gavin Grace, who had fronted the programme since 2015.
Alan has an extensive background in broadcasting, having worked for a variety of radio stations around the Mid-West.
“I am delighted to have been given the responsibility of presenting such a prestigious show and to be allowed the opportunity to connect and engage with our listeners each weekday,” he said.
“Morning Focus is many people’s go-to source for all of the news and issues that matter to Clare, and that will remain the case under my stewardship.
“I want to maintain what is attractive about the show, while over time hopefully adding my own style and some newer elements in terms of content.”
Meanwhile, Fiona Cahill has been appointed as the station’s Head of News.
The Ennis native joined Clare FM’s team in 2015 and was subsequently appointed Deputy Head of News.
Fiona has extensive experience in broadcast journalism, following a BA in Media and Communications and a Master’s Degree in Irish Media Studies.
Programme Director Padraic Flaherty said: “One of our roles in Clare FM is to deliver the latest news and views that affect and reflect the pulse of the county.
“We are delighted to welcome Alan to our team, his knowledge of Clare and his journalistic ability will be integral to the success of Morning Focus.
“We are also thrilled to announce Fiona Cahill as our new Head of News. Over the past few years Fiona has played a pivotal role in the success of our news coverage.
“These appointments will ensure Clare FM remains at the heart of stories in the Banner County”.
Separately, The Champion has learned that General Manager of Clare and Tipp FM, Susan Murphy has left the company to pursue other interests. A native of Ballynacally, Ms Murphy is a highly respected figure in the broadcasting industry, having served on the board of IRS, the marketing and media sales body in Dublin, as well as the PPI Radio Awards committee.
Over the course of a 27 year career with Clare FM, Ms Murphy guided the station to record listenership levels and a significant number of prestigious radio awards. She oversaw the station’s move to state-of-the-art studios on Francis Street, as well as Clare FM’s award-winning coverage of the All-Ireland fleadhanna in 2016 and 2017.
In 2019, under Ms Murphy’s tenure, the station took Gold at the New York Radio Festivals Award for a documentary made by Gavin Grace and Padraic Flaherty.
Over lockdown, Clare FM – winner of the Silver Award for Local Station of the Year at the most recent IMRO Radio Awards – saw an increase in its listenership, with more than 60,000 adults tuning in weekly.