98FM's search for our next radio star has begun!
Kicking off earlier this summer, 98FM launched 'On Air - Next Radio Star' to increase diversity and representation across the station.
We also hosted an open day in Dundrum Town Centre, inviting interested and aspiring radio presenters to come along and meet some of the current radio personalities, to put themselves forward for the initiative.
After much deliberation, 98FM has now chosen 6 new interim presenters, resulting in 6 candidates who will undergo training and mentorship from industry professionals. Each candidate will be given their own show live on 98FM every Sunday for 4 weeks.
After the 6 months, one candidate will land a paid contract to host their own on-air residency on 98FM!
First up is Donna Lyons, kicking off her show on Sunday the 20th of October from 8PM - 9PM.
Meet the candidates below!
Donna Lyons
Name: Donna Lyons
Age: 43 ( this where you go “NOW WAY!!!, what cream do you use?” LOL)
From: Leopardstown
Current Job/College course: By night I'm of course a radio star in the making! By day I’m a substitute SNA.
Instagram/Tik Tok handle: @donnakebab98
First 98FM show: 20th of October 2024
Emily Mc Evoy
Name: Emily McEvoy
Age: 28
From: Malahide, Co Dublin
Day job: Events, Communications & PR Executive
Instagram handle: @emilymcevoy_1
First 98FM show: 17th of November 2024
Thabile Michelle Hlongwane
Name: Thabile Michelle Hlongwane
Age: 27
From: Castlecoote, Roscommon
Current Job/College course: Software test engineer and actor. Currently studying Performing Arts at Kingdom School of Acting in London.
Instagram/Tik Tok handle: @michelle_hlongwane
First show on 98FM: 12th of January 2025
Nathalie Lennon
Name: Nathalie Lennon
Age: 30
From: Baltinglass, Co.Wicklow
Day Job: Content Creation, Podcast Host & Nutritional Coach
Instagram/Tik Tok handle: @nathalielennon_ (IG) @nathalielennon (TT)
First show on 98FM: 9th of February 2025
Michaela Lopes
Name: Michaela Lopes
Age: 29
Town: Drogheda
Day Job: UCB Ireland
Instagram/TikTok: @itsmichaelelopes (IG), @michaela_lopess (TT)
First show on 98FM: 9th of March 2025
Cian O'Gríofa
Name: Cian Griffin (Ó’Gríofa) (As Gaeilge and English Presenter)
Age: 29
From: Wicklow Town
Day Job: Head of Content for an Irish Startup (Super Famous Internet Celebrity on the side! 😉)
Social media handles: @Gaylgeoiri on everything
First show on 98FM: 6th of April 2025
Best of luck to all the candidates in 98FM's On Air - Next Radio Star!
This project is co-funded by Coimisiún na Meán under the Sound and Vision Scheme
