Youngster try their hand at radio presenting during Feis Barra

Lucky teenagers will get a chance to put out daily live radio programmes this summer when Siar Media Group joins forces with Fèis Bharraigh for a week-long youth tuition festival from Monday, 5^th July.

The long established festival promotes the importance of Gàidhlig language through the tuition of various musical instruments, song, drama, dance and storytelling.

Siar Media Group, based on the island of Barra, has for the last three years been providing media and IT services on the island, including the successful local internet radio station Siar FM, formerly known as BVC Radio. The station attracts more than 2000 worldwide listeners a month.

“Fèis Teenagers”

John Joe MacNeil, one of Siar FM’s main presenters as well as a presenter on Celtic Music Radio and Two Lochs Radio, will teach radio skills to the group of teenagers. Each morning John Joe and his class, with assistance from Siar FM technicians, will put together and broadcast a live programme which will include live music, plenty guests and amusement.

Karen MacKinnon, Fèis Bharraigh chairperson said: “We are delighted to be working with the local radio station and especially with John Joe. This is a fantastic opportunity for our teenagers to get real depth into the world of radio and at the same time promote the language of Gàidhlig through its strong musical and oral traditions.”

Murdo MacNeil, Siar Media Group’s Co-ordinator added: “This is a brilliant opportunity for the Fèis Teenagers to get involved in radio. We are extremely pleased to be working with the Fèis and this will lead to our continued development.

Listeners can join John Joe MacNeil, his class and his many guests each Fèis week day morning (5^th – 9^th July) from 11am – 12.30pm with his brand new Gàidhlig Programme, Sona le Seonaidh Beò aig an Fhèis, live on Siar FM on www.siar.fm

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