East Coast FM's Jack Massey Among Ten Selected for the Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme

East Coast FM's Jack Massey Among Ten Selected for the Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme

The next generation of talented broadcast journalists have began work across Ireland’s independent radio sector.

East Coast FM's Jack Massey is among ten graduates selected for this year’s Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme.

Massey has joined East Coast FM last month, as part of the five-month paid placement programme, which gives journalism graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working in live radio newsrooms.

The Journalism Graduate Programme is jointly funded by Learning Waves, Coimisiún na Meán and Skillnet Ireland, combining practical newsroom experience with an intensive programme of industry-led training and development.

The ten graduates will work alongside experienced journalists, producers and broadcasters at independent radio stations around the country, gaining experience across radio, online and mobile platforms.

The programme was officially launched at the WLR FM studios in Waterford.

The Journalism Graduate Programme participants and stations are:

● Jack Massey – East Coast FM
● David Corish – South East Radio
● Lily Kennedy – Beat
● Lauren Scates – Mid West Radio
● Owain Comerford Jones – KCLR
● Millie Reid – Newstalk
● Liam Timmins – Live 95FM
● Pádraig Corrigan – Northern Sound
● Daniel Boyne – Midlands 103
● Dylan Hudson – Galway Bay FM

The placement at East Coast FM will help Massey develop his skills in a working newsroom, covering stories and issues affecting communities across Wicklow. 

This year's intake begins as the programme celebrates the success of one of its recent graduates.

East Coast FM journalist Jamie Ryan, who previously completed the Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme in 2025, was named winner of the Gay Byrne Award for Best Newcomer at the 2026 IMRO Radio Awards in Kilkenny on Friday night.

Teresa Hanratty, Network Director of Learning Waves Skillnet, said developing new talent is hugely important to the future of independent radio in Ireland.

“This programme gives graduates something that is very difficult to replicate in a classroom with the opportunity to work in a live newsroom, learn directly from experienced journalists and broadcasters and develop their skills by actually doing the job,” she said.

“We are particularly proud of the pathway the programme is creating into the industry. More than 90% of our graduates over the past three years have remained in radio, and to see a former graduate like Jamie Ryan receive the Gay Byrne Award for Best Newcomer demonstrates the quality of the talent coming through.”