Open FM

Not Asked To Leave - Dundrum Town Centre

2010-07-19T04:59:00.001-07:00

The two OpenFM Crew were not asked to leave due to their sexuality, only asked to stop being intimate in a public premises with children present. The situation was fully resolved by the Dundrum Town Centre Management and the couple in question. OpenFM would like to apologise, for causing undue stress to all parties involved, for posting this story with out confirming the details first.

OpenFM Management

OpenFM Flash Mob Henry Street

2010-06-07T03:06:00.000-07:00

OpenFM Flash Mobs - Grafton Street

2010-06-06T15:07:00.000-07:00

No he didn’t, yes he did!

2010-05-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

Here in the United States there’s a serious LGBT controversy involving a provocative Newsweek article which asserts LGBT actors can’t play straight roles. In other words you, pinky , should take of the Abercrombie T-shirt right now and stop calling girls your honey- you’re only fooling yourself. We both know, you can’t pull it off and even if you did it’d just look weird right? Well, not exactly. Certainly Ramin Setoodeh of Newsweek makes a rather convincing argument, it just came out wrong. Maybe we should get all Oprah on his ass and ask him what he was really trying to say? And investigate what the flowery reaction says about the LGBT community.

Setoodeh (a gay guy) innocently enough wrote the piece about LGBT actors who play heterosexuals. He starts off talking about Sean Hayes, who plays the queeny, eccentric, dude loving doll of a guy that is Jack from Will &Grace. Setoodeh says that Hayes is well known for his ‘slapstick’ comedic performances within and outside Hollywood, but rightly says ‘his sexual orientation is who he is’. Then, Setoodeh suggests that Hayes when playing a straight guy comes off ‘wooden’ and ‘insincere’. Insincere to whom exactly isn’t exactly clear, but his example follows a line of different characters he asserts just shouldn’t be playing straight.

Another example Setoodeh uses is Glee tottie Jonathan Groff. He again, drives that dagger further into the delicate hearts of our fellow queens, tweens and teens by asserting ‘something about his performance feels off’. Apparently, there’s something uniquely ‘distracting’ by the way Groff is getting down with a high school gal. You see, in Glee season 2, Groff is a hot jock frolicking on another team in direct competition with the Glee club. He plays high school football and isn’t afraid to try and bed his gal by playing Madonna’s Like a Virgin.

However, Setoobeh sees this as a ‘distraction’ and wonders if Groff’s character is ‘secretly gay?’ Madonna hello! Setoobeh makes an Interesting argument; over here the media has vilified him as someone who is making a controversial comment about the LGBT community. Personally, this reporter understands his argument, but totally disagrees with his insinuation. Setoobeh asserts in order to play straight you need to drop the tiara, and your hopeless mission trying to find your Edward Cullen. His assertion is what’s wrong with his argument, not necessarily the argument itself.

Setoobeh, kind of contradicts this assertion when he asks ‘why should sexual orientation limit a gay actor’s choice of roles?’ Agreed, (Oprah moment). Isn’t this the real question you need to be asking within your article? What a good question. Why should anything, sexual orientation, skin colour, hairstyle, choice of clothes, limit anyone’s opportunities- either at acting or not.

The LGBT community tends to be a tad dramatic when anyone makes a controversial statement about them. This is one of our biggest faults- that and Jay Manuel’s hair- seriously one light and it’s in flames. We should always stand up for what is right. But, Setoobeh’s argument was loosely based on his own personal opinion- which he is rightly entitled to- it just happens to be wrong.

The LGBT community needs to relax, put on some Cher videos and go have a game of rugby. For we, should always be tough and have an aspect of flamboyance and straightness. We should also not dish too hard when an opinion is wrongly constructed.

-Liam Cahill

NewsWeek Article http://www.newsweek.com/id/236999

OpenFM - a new day in Irish radio - Positions - what are the current jobs we need filled.

2010-04-28T17:51:00.000-07:00

OpenFM - a new day in Irish radio - Positions - we are looking for an Assistant Station Manager

Gays and Music

2010-03-10T10:24:00.000-08:00

From the outset the opening premise was clear: what she wanted was love, what she desired was a guy and somehow it was to be kept a secret. The throbbing beat of the song kicks in much like a car backfiring followed by smoke escaping into the night sky which illuminates a revolving disco ball.

For gays, Donna Summers was that revolving disco ball centred just right in the tapestry of studio 54. Her music spoke to the gay audience like no other- it was by far gay people’s first encounter of music which spoke to them.

“Among the most loyal members of Summer’s fan base were gays” says author of Popular Music in America: the beat goes on Michael Campbell. He accounts how Summer’s with her ‘wispy’ voice and her desire to explore new areas of music managed to bring home the ‘erotic dimension of love’ which compounded gay audiences across the globe.

Gay people took a particular liking to Summer’s style, innuendos and continuous search for forbidden love- the quest it seemed started with her and the disco scene of the 1970’s.

Disco music had strong gay connotations amplified by artists such as Gloria Gaynor or The Village people. Although the music spoke to an audience which was seen by society as outsiders- it also acted like a bridge slowly building social acceptance through its lyrics and beats.

“Disco had clear gay associations as ‘Y.M.C.A.’ makes clear, but it was more music for gays” cites Campbell. He also suggests how working class youth in particular used disco music as an outlet for outsourcing inner feelings.

More importantly this music allowed gay people to have a new sense of social freedom which was helped in big part by lyrics and the beats of each song.

“They have everything for men to enjoy, you can hang out with all the boys” recited a bashful Y.M.C.A. many moments of disco chic.

As decades moved on the relevancy of gays and music become more potent. Wolf and Kielwasser in their book Gay People, Sex and The Media recalls how bands where propelled to the forefront of music as a direct result of their provocative gayness. From Frankie Goes to Hollywood to The Petshop Boys being provocative was very much second nature.

Wolf and kielwasser recount how The Smith’s lead singer Morrissey’s music was seen by Rolling Stone as a ‘rejection’ of the typical provocative nature of music which embraced gay themes but continued to be overtly outrageous. “I am human, and I need to be loved, just like everyone else” recites Morrissey within “How soon is now?” which details his attempts for gays to gain another step towards being accepted within mainstream.

These songs provided a base for mainstream audiences to be educated about the details of gay life. The songs also spoke volumes about the hurt in which gay people felt as appearing socially inept -this was fuelled by the aids crisis of the 1980’s. This gay voice only became stronger propelled by artists such as Madonna and Kylie who used their music as a way of reaffirming that it was a new day for the gay.

A new day indeed. At OpenFM, a large portion of the week was spent discussion what music we will play.

It’s easy to assume that most members of the LGBT community all like Kylie and Madonna- but I think to assume never gets us anywhere. The LGBT audience are very diverse they like a mix of everything from new music to old classics. Over the next few weeks I’m sure the playlist will be on everyone’s minds- or not. But what’s for sure we should never forget the value of music- especially when it speaks with words not just with beats. Gays have a long standing with music and OpenFM will give you the best in new and old.

Just An Introduction

2010-03-05T09:48:00.000-08:00

This is just a little note to introduce myself to all, my name is Jill and I am the proud member of OpenFM. This involvement came about in random ways as it always does in Ireland, it is a friend of a friend who knows someones cousin...you get the idea but it was Sam Lyons who got me involved and so far the whole thing looks brilliant. I know it is going to sounds great.

So it is a new era for radio and for one week we are going to get the air waves going.

I want to explain to you a little more about my background, my road to radio is only starting! Prior to taking a career change into the world of journalism I was and still am very involved in the art sector. This is what my background has been in but in the business side of art, this meant working in galleries, art charities and most of all promoting young artists. Since the R world became very dominint in Ireland it became harder to sustain a job in this sector so this is where the transformation to journalisim has come in and I love it.

The real push came when I saw there was not enough being written about young Irish artists, so I went back to do a Cert in journalism, which I am nearly finished! People have been super helpful but it comes with hard work. The LGBT community gave me my first leg up and I had a small feature published in THE magazine

Sunday Night Bingo at the George

2010-02-24T12:50:00.000-08:00

Has being moved to the Open It Out blog - http://openitout.blogspot.com/2010/02/sunday-night-bingo-at-george.html

How I came out!

2010-02-20T02:52:00.000-08:00

This post has being moved to our the OpenFM personal blog - Open It Out -http://openitout.blogspot.com/2010/02/coming-out-realisation.html

Hey, what's your ASL?

2010-02-19T10:03:00.000-08:00

Has being moved to the Open It Out blog - http://openitout.blogspot.com/2010/02/hey-whats-your-asl.html

OpenFM - Press Release - Feb 2010

2010-02-11T03:50:00.001-08:00

It’s a new day for Irish radio as OpenFM aims to be Dublin’s first gay cultured radio station

Dublin - Ireland, February 1^st2010. Ready for a new sound on radio? In June/July 2010, subject to BAI approval, OpenFM will become Ireland’s first gay cultured radio station broadcasting across Dublin and we’re now hiring!

OpenFM aims to highlight the gay culture of Dublin. The station will endeavour to educate, inform, entertain and open the minds of its listeners. Our mission is to encompass and celebrate diversity.

The station will include a variety of programmes that will showcase the different tastes and interests of Dublin's LGBTQ community. Leading up to and during the Dublin Pride week we will feature from the many events happening across Dublin and provide a guide to what's on. On the day of the Dublin Pride Parade the station will dedicate its broadcast to the event. With on-location live coverage throughout the parade and culminating at the post parade show.

Liam Cahill Deputy head of OpenFM said “OpenFM aims to provide the LGBTQ community and beyond with a station that isn’t afraid to counter perceptions about what gay people may be like. I firmly believe OpenFm will rattle the airwaves and give people something they haven’t heard anywhere else”.

Everybody wants to be on radio but what about volunteering as part of an exciting radio team? OpenFM is currently seeking people with relevant media and radio experience. Do you think you can handle being on air, being knee high in research, or producing a hard hitting debating program? If so, this station is for you. Details overleaf.

About us:

OpenFM is an independent not-for-profit organisation working in conjunction with the Dublin Pride Committee. It has an independent board made up of 9 people who have a variety of experience within radio.

With approx. 60,000 members of the LGBTQ community in Dublin, Open FM has a unique edge on other radio stations as it aims to inform and educate the wider Dublin community aswell as entertain.

Contact Information:

For more information please contact:

Sam Lyons

Co Station Manager, Open FM

samflash@gmail.com

Liam Cahill
Co Station Manager, Open FM
Liampcahill@gmail.com

Emma Carroll
Programme Director, Open FM
radioemc@gmail.com

Additional information can be found by emailing: Openradiofm@gmail.com

Or www.openfm.ie

OpenFM is currently seeking people to fill the following roles.*

Researchers

OpenFM requires individuals to fill the role of researcher. The role involves working with producers in the gathering of stories and program ideas, vetting callers, organizing guests and, helping with the overall production and quality of the broadcast.

Producers

OpenFm requires individuals to fill the role of producer. The OpenFM schedule has a fine mix of talk based and music driven shows therefore you must be flexible to work on both formats and eager to work hard in maintaining a quality broadcast at all times. The producer, depending on the shows format, will be responsible for the creation, organization and direction of live radio programming, screening/briefing callers, keeping the show on time and within format, suggesting and implementing ideas, arranging guests, and editing live and pre-recorded audio pieces for broadcast among many other duties.

Web Designer:

OpenFM aims to be innovative and creative within the online sphere. We’re currently seeking a web designer who can work as part of a team to make the stuff dreams are made of. Think you have it? You must have at least two years experience designing websites and using the appropriate programs.

Head of Marketing

OpenFM prides itself on being Dublin’s first gay cultured station. Therefore, our head of marketing will be charged with promoting a young, progressive, modern station to both a LGBT audience and beyond. You have to be quick with numbers and fast on your feet have at least one years experience working in or within a marketing environment.

Marketing Officer

You could be one of many but you’ll be working within a marketing team that is driven and focused on communicating definitive message. Your main job is to ensure OpenFm’s marketing strategy is targeted and understood by our audience. You will report daily to the head of marketing and Open’s management team.

Press relations officer

OpenFm is currently seeking a press relations officer. Your main job will be to handle any press relations quires and ensure all aspects of the media are being used to promote the Open brand. This opening is perfect for any recent journalism graduates of students who are looking to get a feel for press relations.

Head of music

OpenFm is currently seeking a head of music. You will be charged with one of the most important jobs within the station – deciding the music we play. OpenFm’s target audience ages from 15-35 and includes all sizes and ages of the LGBT community and beyond. Yes, you might be thinking Gloria Gaynor would be a perfect fit right? Wrong. OpenFm will be the home of the best in brand new music from Ireland and around the globe, with the odd classic thrown in to complete our mix. So, are you good at mixing indie, pop, dance, rock and, some old classics together? If so, this job is for you. You must be able to work within a team environment and have experience using editing equipment. Also, a good knowledge of music is essential! Got what it takes?

Head of production

OpenFM is currently seeking a head of production for the station. You will be charged with the creation of OpenFM’s jingles, promos, beds and, sponsorship spots. You will be playing a part in how the station sounds which is vital to reach our target audience. You must have at least two years experience working within production, either in college or within the industry, and have a good knowledge of radio and editing. *

Deputy head of production

For you it’ll be how the station sounds! You hear that sting which plays between each song? Well, you’ll be charged with helping create it. Your main job will be the ensure quality at all times and having a sense of humour is kind of essential. At least one year experience working within production is preferable and a good knowledge of radio and editing. *

Deputy head of news

OpenFM is seeking a Deputy head of news. OpenFM has a unique news style with some bulletins containing diverse topics delivered in a quick and informative fashion. The Deputy head of news will report directly to the head of news and work with the Open production team to produce a news service which is fast and quick but doesn’t delve into the area of tabloid. You should have at least one or two years experience working within news, have a broad interest in news and current affairs and, be willing to work as part of a team. *

Reporter/ broadcast journalist

Do you want to be the next step in the OpenFm newsteam? Reporters by nature are tasked with gathering large quantities of information, selecting the most important and then telling a story. We need reporters who are able to work within several fields such as politics and sports. You should have a large interest in news and current affairs, have worked within news and, are eager to tell a story.

Sports Journalist

OpenFM is currently seeking a sports journalist. Charged with reporting who scores what, where, when, and, why your main job is to report on sporting events and deliver them within a bulletin. Want to have a go? You must have at least one years experience working within radio and have a big interest in sports.*

DJ’s

DJ’s and presenters are one of the most important parts of any radio station. At OpenFM, we want you to be funny, quirky, informed and most of all sound good. OpenFM’s day time schedule includes a mix of music and talk but from drive time onwards it’s all about the music. Do you have what it takes?*

Head of Sales

Openfm is currently looking for a head of sales. You must be target driven and able to work as part of a diverse team. Experience working within radio is essential.

*Demo required.
Please note all roles will be held on a voluntary basis.

Sundays are so gay

2010-02-07T13:11:00.000-08:00

Has being moved to the Open It Out Blog
http://openitout.blogspot.com/2010/02/sundays-are-so-gay.html

The Team is created

2009-12-10T05:04:00.000-08:00

After receiving the call from Emma, I was very interested in the idea. In some way I had being looking for something like this to come along. I had always found the experience of working in radio as incredibly satisfying. The thought of being involved in creating a new station centred around gay culture was exciting.

We met in the Digital Hub at 1.30pm. I was introduced to a recent graduate and friend of Emma's, Liam. The idea had come to while walking to the post office. Within a matter of an hour we had come to realise, we were all on the same page. Well most of the time. We agreed that we wanted the station to highlight the gay culture while open the listeners mind. So many people have little or no experience with gay people that they revert to the old stereotypes. I have to admit I was even ignorant until my early 30's. This was probably due to my own fears and I imagine the same is true for a lot of people. So, with a resounding commonality we agreed on a style and format for the station. There was a strong sense of passion from all involved. It looked like we were in the process of creating something that could make a difference.

Liam had a contact with the Dublin Pride committee, so we planned for that meeting. The brainstorm went on for a couple of hours with loads of brilliant ideas and enthusiasm. At this stage we had no real foresight of what was really involved in taking on this baby. By the end of the meeting a name for the station was thrown in to the circle. OpenFM. I liked it. Emma liked it. Liam was a little....

How it all began...

2009-12-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

Its quite bizarre really...I never thought a trip to the post office could spawn the next coming of radio. It started, like most things do, with initial contact from one radio folk to another. The idea: a gay cultured station for Dublin which would run over the week of Pride.

Within a matter of days we had a concept and arranged a meeting with the Dublin Pride Committe, a copious bunch of retro gays who'll do anything for the cause.

Basically we didn't want the station to be Gloria Gaynor on steorids, they agreed, through a communicative hand gesture which plagues the gays. Now we're here.

So what's next? Well, radio is an exciting medium and its never- to my knowledge- been used to both highlight the causes of the gay community and to reach out to everyday society.

What suprised me the most was that guys, usually straight who prefer a pint and the star on a Friday after a hard day at the buliding site, do actually think we gays only listen to camp music and act like women.

Yes, this may be true for a minority withing the gay community, but a majority are diverse who have a variety of tastes. Some may like MGMT or Kings of Leon while others may like house music or electro. Others might like watching Glee while some may like watching rugby. It's a premise which Open FM will stand for, diversity.

We hope you'll stay put and tune in.

Liam Cahill