Only the freshest of meat at Supervalu… 
UTV/C103 amputate a limb… Initially I was reluctant to post this as it’s ‘bad news’, however what has shone through are the people who stand up for what they believe in – people who don’t like to be taken for granted, and who feel strongly about their community. Where are these people and this inspirational spirit – right here in West Cork! So what’s the story? It revolves around the local community radio programme, West Cork Today, operated by C103/UTV and hosted by the intelligent and charismatic presenter David Young. The programme was dropped without notice on the 14th April, and the audience were given no explanation as to why one of their favourite programmes simply ‘disappeared’. A subsequent press statement from C103 stated that “this is just another aspect of stream-lining. What we have done is nothing out of the ordinary”. This didn’t fit with the CEO’s own comments last year when he said we will continue to satisfy listeners with our distinctively local talk shows for the north and west Cork regions. Apart from losing a valued programme that was integral to community life, the people of the region did not taken kindly to an action that showed little respect or courtesy. Having been taken by surprise a kickback emerged. Online bloggers and web-site owners made their voices heard, people were talking on the street, and an online petition was launched to allow others to have their say. In no particular order here’s a few of those who found ways to express their opinion: Calvin Jones – give West Cork its voice back Quentin Gargan – C103, here today gone tomorrow Conor O’Neill – C103 loses the plot! Politics.ie – David Young for the Late Late Show! Feckthat.com – West Cork Today axed by UTV Ann Donnelly with News and Views – West Cork Today, and tomorrow? myguideireland.com – recognising the value of the West Cork Today programme West Cork Greens – Declan Waugh and the decline of local radio Food Culture West Cork – Ivan McCutcheon: disgusted with this decision by UTV Media Senator Michael McCarthy, Labour Party Cork South West – A Big Blow And the petition at www.ipetitions.com We’ll keep this updated, and even if the ship goes down it won’t be like those old wrecks that used to disappear on a dark night slipping silently beneath the waves. Update: July 2009 – Well UTV/C103 didn’t listen, and the 20 year old institution that was ‘West Cork Today’ has come to an end. Best wishes to the talented presenter, David Young, and we’re sure he’ll pop up again somewhere to interest and entertain a new audience in his own inimitable way. What does it all mean here – simple really, the show isn’t as local, the vibe aint quite there, and the radio isn’t tuned to C103 any more (pity really). more than a moment and no longer unemployed….!
Another bright light sailing firmly into view is the Cork based firm Cubic Telecom. Pat Phelan started the company in 2006 and their competitive product helps travellers stay in touch without breaking the bank. They are on the move and it gets even more interesting when other companies take notice and like what they see. Announced last night, Cubics latest deal (and part of an impressive track record) is with US start-up Qik, to whom they’ll provide branded Sim cards. This should save Qik customers up to 80 per cent on international telephone and data charges. I just popped over to the Qik website for a look and love the reciprocal gesture – anyone signing up in the first month gets the chance of a free a trip to Ireland – give it to everyone we say! Amongst other things Qik users will be able to stream video live and share their moments from all corners of the planet, “it’s like sending a live video postcard to your friends and family from wherever you are.” Seems to fit nicely with our own take on connectivity and moments! and just goes to show that despite the doomy gloomy stuff, if you’ve got the drive and good ideas people get attracted and exciting things still happen. Well done CT. A list of Irish telephone codes covering the major areas of Ireland: If you’re calling from outside of Ireland prefix the local number with the Irish international code (00353) – for example to call Abbeyleix you would dial 00353 57 xxxxxxx. Abbeyleix - 57 If you need a more detailed list check out Eircom’s directory here |  Irish Abroad Voting Rights Join diaspora.ie and get your personal Certificate of Irish Heritage..  |
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