Forever 80s Galway Radio – Online 80s Radio Station (Feedback Welcome)

Hi there,

Thanks for the detailed questions — really appreciate the opportunity to explain what we’re building with Forever 80s Galway Radio.

What sets us apart is that we believe we are Ireland’s first AI-powered 80s radio station, combining curated music with AI-driven presenters to recreate the feel of classic radio in a modern way. Our schedule currently includes:

• Vinny Vinyl – Breakfast (7am–10am)
• Jenny Jukebox – 10am–2pm
• Ricky Retro – 2pm–5pm
• Tony Tracks – 5pm–8pm
• Claire Cassette – 8pm–2am

Alongside the music, we run an hourly “80s Flashback News” service, featuring one serious and one lighter news story from the decade. And because we know how much we Irish love our weather, we also include an hourly weather update.

Our DJs keep things simple and music-focused, but still add value — sharing trivia and context about the artists and songs. Typically, they’ll talk around 10 tracks per hour, giving listeners those nostalgic details without overloading the flow.

We are currently streaming at 128kbps, ensuring solid, consistent audio quality, and we’re rotating circa 2,000 songs, with careful attention to balance — early vs late 80s, male/female artists, hits, radio edits, album tracks, and some deeper “spice” cuts.

In terms of availability, we’re listed on TuneIn and other major radio directories. If you’re aware of any platforms we’re missing, we’d genuinely appreciate you pointing us in the right direction.

To clarify structure, the radio station itself is not a registered charity, however all funding is handled through a CLG (Company Limited by Guarantee), which is a registered charity.

On your point about “more music, less talk” — we completely agree. That alone isn’t enough in today’s landscape. We are doing limited local publicity and some paid social media advertising, but as this is ultimately a community-driven project, we are heavily reliant on goodwill and organic growth rather than operating as a fully commercial venture.

The goal is to build something distinctive, consistent, and genuinely enjoyable — not just another automated stream, but a station with identity and personality.

Thanks again for the questions, and we’re always open to feedback or suggestions.

Best regards,
Forever 80s Galway Radio

Honestly? Just play the tunes!

Thanks. This is exactly the kind of feedback I'm looking for. I figured the people who participate in a radio forum would have a good understanding of radio.

To be honest it's a lot cheaper just playing the tunes. Am I just creating yet another soleless playlist then? Same ole same old...

Again, thanks for taking time to listen and in your feedback.

Yes, all the presenter's are virtual presenters generated by AI.

Jenny Jukebox is my personal favorite. She's our most expensive DJ. She's generated using different technology to the other four DJs.

The other four are American presenter's and I've written a script to try make them sound as Irish as I can. The technology I'm using for these four is still in early development. I suppose most users don't mind the accents, but for radio use it's important.

Sometimes I let them speak in their native accents. I think They speak more expressively then.

I'll look into radio garden. Thanks.

Thanks for in your comments. We are of similar vintage. I spent the 80s in my teens and early 20s...

Yes, it's not a commercial venture. I'm retiring in June and I see this little project as a war of giving back to the community I worked in.

If the jock was to talk, what would you want them to say?

Thanks for your constructive comments. I'll take all on board. Smoother transitions,
Consistent audio levels,
More natural, better-produced voiceovers
Adding standard listener-friendly features like now/previously played.

I also want to thank all who listened in yesterday. My average daily listens is 200-250, yesterday it reached over 350. Thanks for taking time to listen.