Near Media Co-Op is a not-for-profit community media project. The project consists of Near FM and Near TV and works in platforms as diverse as computer training, drama production, assisting unsigned musicians and educational programming. Near FM broadcasts 24 hours a day over 365 days per year. We operate an open access policy and run…
Dublin Celebrates Bram Stoker Centenary, 2012
Councillor ANDREW MONTAGUE talks to Noel McGuinness about how he came up with the idea of a Bram Stoker Halloween Festival. Stoker, who died in 1912, was a true Dubliner. He lived in Marino, studied at Trinity, and married one of Oscar Wilde’s ex-girlfriends (who knew?). Oh, and he also wrote Dracula…
Volunteer Ireland
BARBARA JENNINGS speaks with JOHN, KERRY, ROBBIE, GILLIAN, NIALL, & STEPHEN from Volunteer Ireland in Northside Shopping Centre, where they are having an open day & are looking for people to become volunteers…
Complaints for Garth Brooks Concerts in Croke Park
Pat Meehan interviews ROBBIE COUSINS resident of the Croke Park Area about the proposal to hold 5 Garth Brooks concerts in Croke Park this summer. He denounces that they had agreed with the GAA that if they exceeded the amount of three concerts in a year, they would let them know if it was OK with them, and that…
The Importance of Press Freedom – Johnathan Rugman
JOHNATHAN RUGMAN of Channel 4 News joins Eoin Drinan on the eve of World Press Freedom Day. Johnathan speaks about his work in Turkey, getting locked up in Venezuela, and being accused of spying. He says the concept of press freedom differs a lot from region to region…
Lámh Day celebrations
Pat Meehan speaks to TARA from St John of God Menni Services about Lámh Day, which is a day to create awareness, promote and celebrate a standardized form of Irish sign language adapted especially for people with intellectual disabilities. Lábh sign language was developed in the 1980’s…

The Big Bang Festival 2013
BRIAN FLEMING, co-director of The Big Bang Festival of Rhythm joins Noel McGuinness on the phone to discuss the 2013 festival. Having started in 1994 they have ran it continuously since 2007. Brian tells all about what is in store for this years festival including group drumming and a workshop with world famous Djembe drummer:…

Post Office Posts Third Electoral Candidate
A third post office candidate is to put himself forward for the upcoming general election. Blanchardstown postmaster GEOFF BOYLE launched his campaign on Tuesday at the Blanchardstown Town Centre. Here he chats to Noel McGuinness. Mr Boyle, who has worked as postmaster in Blanchardstown village for 12 years, is seeking election on the platform of…
The Integration Centre on the “Putting people First” document
Ronnie O’Brien speaks to KILLIAN FORDE of the Integration Centre. They begin by discussing a document released by Minister Phil Hogan called “Putting people first” and what the results of this set of policies will be. They discuss any difference in integration throughout this period. They discuss some of the differences in modern day immigration…
Research into Irish Identity
YAQOUB BOU AYNAYA talks to Mark Finnegan about his post-graduate research into Irish identity. What does it mean to be Irish? What are the implications of nationalism in a global society?…
Design Week 2012 and the Malthouse Design Centre Distillery
Barbara Jennings speaks to ARTHUR DUFF at the Malthouse Design Centre Distillery. They discuss “Design Week” – a festival focused on design and the opportunity for all people involved in design to show off their wares. They discuss the festival and then move on to talking about the Malthouse itself and what it can offer…
Dublin director and writer Joe O’Byrne launching his play “The Rising” as part of the Five Lamps Festival
Noel McGuinness is talking to JOE O’BYRNE who is a director and writer for theatre about his play “The Rising” as part of the Five Lamps Arts Festival. His own plays ‘En Suite’ was presented at the Abbey/ Peacock, and ‘Departed’ and ‘The Sinking of the Titanic’ at the Dublin Theatre Festival. He has also directed many productions,…

Bohemians Doing Great Charity Work In The Community
Bohemians FC PR manager THOMAS HYNES talks to Noel McGuinness about the club’s charity projects. These include a St Vincent de Paul Christmas appeal, and coaching prisoners in Dublin Prisons…
the Lord Mayor speaks
Lord Mayor CHRISTY BURKE talks to Noel McGuinnesss about his work. The subjects of homelessness, volunteering, grafitti, and funding are all covered. CHRISTY also speaks out about the need to put an elected mayoral position in place. A mayor with access to funding and the power to push projects forward independent of political parties is…
Water Charges: Using Property Tax To Pay For Water Meters
Councillor MARY FITZPATRICK joins John Healy. They begin by discussing water charges and Phil Hogan’s promise to fix leaks in problem areas when domestic water charges are introduced. They discuss the “First fix free” plan which the government had committed to financing at the time. Mary says she has tried to contact various organisations to…