TXFM (formerly much missed Phantom) line up

Five Lamps · 31-03-2014 6:25pm

Oh dear! How to not to digitally relaunch a radio station

http://www.mediauk.com/article/34485/how-not-to-digitally-relaunch-a-radio-station

Not having apps, website and tune in (and other aggregators) ready from the get go is unforgivable in this day and age. Leveraging the existing Phantom assets would have been a start.

This mornings launch was super low key.

They should have communicated more with the existing audience unless they really want to go back to scratch - and with just two years to run on their licence that's a risky proposition.

Declan A Walsh · 31-03-2014 6:49pm

Listening to Joe this evening, I think he is a little less "wacky" without co-presenters. This is a good thing!

I heard Cathal's low-key business-like launch of the new brand this morning. He just got down to business. It's all about the music again, like the old Phantom - no inane banter, etc.

Well done to Cathal Funge on getting the big gig. I'm still wondering how that happened - certainly unexpected, but it might be a good decision.

I have only heard some of this morning and some of this evening, but it seems to sound reasonable. It is hard to judge based on a couple of shows.

Fingers crossed that things will improve for the station - I know that's no consolation to those who were pushed aside over the last three years!

Declan A Walsh · 31-03-2014 10:24pm

I heard some of Kelly-Ann Byrne's program this evening. She put in a good solid performance. I thought the music mix was pretty interesting and she was clearly all about the music. Sad to think that she was occupying the slot previously occupied by the Two Richies. That aside, she sounds promising.

Twizzler · 31-03-2014 10:37pm

Declan A Walsh wrote: »

I heard some of Kelly-Ann Byrne's program this evening. She put in a good solid performance. I thought the music mix was pretty interesting and she was clearly all about the music. Sad to think that she was occupying the slot previously occupied by the Two Richies. That aside, she sounds promising.

I heard a bit of her show as well and it sounded alright. I also heard Joe reading out your text earlier (well, I'm assuming there wasn't another Declan Walsh in Dublin 16 texting in

).

Declan A Walsh · 31-03-2014 10:42pm

Twizzler wrote: »

I heard a bit of her show as well and it sounded alright. I also heard Joe reading out your text earlier (well, I'm assuming there wasn't another Declan Walsh in Dublin 16 texting in ).

You'd never know. There are quite a few of us around!

Big Nasty · 31-03-2014 10:42pm

Twizzler wrote: »

I heard a bit of her show as well and it sounded alright. I also heard Joe reading out your text earlier (well, I'm assuming there wasn't another Declan Walsh in Dublin 16 texting in ).

Was it a repeat! ?!

DublinKev · 31-03-2014 10:54pm

Five Lamps, that mediauk.com post is a fantastic critique of the lack of joined up thinking you sometimes get now that radio can be accessed and supported across so many platforms.

Not sure how much of the new TXFM I will listen to but good luck to them. I really enjoyed Simon's old Coast FM/Spectrum and the initial incarnations of Phantom FM but, sadly, they got the licence too late for me, by the time they went legit I was probably too elderly for their target demographic!

Twizzler · 31-03-2014 11:49pm

The presenters and music choices are going down fine with me so far but I am really, really struggling with the name...and so are the presenters to my ears...it's a mouthful and an earful. I'm also hoping I'll stop saying "Point two" to the radio every time they say "1052" after a few weeks/months.

Twizzler · 31-03-2014 11:51pm

From the Daily Edge: TXFM hits the airwaves: Here’s how Twitter reacted to the first day
http://thedailyedge.thejournal.ie/txfm-first-day-reaction-1391010-Mar2014/

Seren_ · 31-03-2014 11:59pm

I must say, I like how the Daily Edge/the Journal always give a good amount of publicity to radio moves/new schedules etc.

Haven't listened yet to TXFM, but will give it a spin when I'm in work tomorrow. I'm assuming by the names down as hosting the sports show at the weekends it's going to be Johnnnnnyyyyyyy Lyoonnnnnnnns of 98FM. Think there's a lad called Paul that does sport on 98 also.

Declan A Walsh · 01-04-2014 12:03am

I turned it on again in the last 25 minutes - for research purposes! A presenter called Brian Keaveney (new name to me) has a show called "Souled Out", playing a mixture of funky soul and reggae. It was a bit different and he clearly knows his stuff. It reminds me of those specialist programs you might hear on Dublin City FM, like John Public indeed who does play reggae.

By the way, I am one of those people who would not be within their normal target age group, but that does not stop me listening from time to time to a licensed "Alternative Music" station! Admittedly, I wear an anorak and do tune in to other shows on other stations too!

Still wearing my anorak, does anyone know anything about all these new non-Phantom presenters on the schedule? I do know already that Claire O'Dowd was involved with Newstalk and Spin103 and that Paul Donegan was involved with Freq.FM. Any intel on the other new names (new to me anyway!)?

Edit: In fact, on further examination, there are only a few names new to me in the schedule: Brian Keaveney, Gavin Glass, Nailer, Johnny and Paul (that might be Johnny Lyons from 98FM) and possibly somebody presenting Pogo Rock. Maybe Paul Donegan's radio experience could be fleshed out as well.

Seren_ · 01-04-2014 12:19am

Nialler9 is a music blogger. I've heard him on various radio shows before doing album/single reviews (Arena etc). But don't know if he has done any radio other than that.

don't know anything about any of the rest of them.

Birneybau · 01-04-2014 10:18am

Gavin Glass is a singer/songwriter, been around for a while, never as a DJ though (I think).

ThisRegard · 01-04-2014 11:21am

Seren_ wrote: »

Nialler9 is a music blogger. I've heard him on various radio shows before doing album/single reviews (Arena etc). But don't know if he has done any radio other than that.

don't know anything about any of the rest of them.

He has some pretty good playlists on Spotify if you want to get a taste of his tastes.

Max Headroom · 01-04-2014 8:00pm

Well i listened for most of the day today...have to say i'm happy enough with the dj's throughout....BUT, lads...pityful playlist...tbh i'm a lot older than their target listeners but i was still expecting to hear , The Clash, Ramones Stranglers at some point...but NO...about 3 they played Elvis Costello...Some poor girl asked for Tom Petty later on..I gave a wry smile to myself.....never happened.....Guess its back to Nove then...:(

KAGY · 01-04-2014 8:00pm

Anyone hear the Matt Cooper ad on txfm for a new drive time show . Real cringe worthy, embarrassing dad sort of stuff, full of DeeeeJaaaaaay clichés.
Must say it had me going for a while

Birneybau · 01-04-2014 8:42pm

Damn, took until your post above for me to cop it : )

ghostdancer · 01-04-2014 10:04pm

caught a bit yesterday, Claire played Bastille, then Imagine Dragons (and her usual nattering on between songs). so, as with Phantom, the same absolute sh1te playlist rubbish, so won't be bothering listening during the day.

at least the evening/weekend shows look slightly better than the previous Phantom lineup IMO.

ghostdancer · 01-04-2014 10:08pm

Declan A Walsh wrote: »

and possibly somebody presenting Pogo Rock.

presume you're referring to the Pogo/Bodytonic slot on Saturday night.

Pogo are house/techno promoters, part of a number of Bodytonic-affiliated promoters.
I would be pretty certain there'll be no indie/rock-type music on that show.

Declan A Walsh · 02-04-2014 12:22am

ghostdancer wrote: »

presume you're referring to the Pogo/Bodytonic slot on Saturday night.

Pogo are house/techno promoters, part of a number of Bodytonic-affiliated promoters.
I would be pretty certain there'll be no indie/rock-type music on that show.

Sorry - I misread the schedule at a glance - it said Pogo Radio, not Pogo Rock!

Incidentally, I heard a bit of Gavin Glass tonight with The Pickup. Yet again, he is good at what he does. I'm not sure if I was overwhelmed by the music I did hear..... that's just a personal taste thing.

It's hard to explain exactly, but a lot of the time so far, in the last two days, the station had the feel of one on temporary license. I think it's the fact that it is a back to basics style of presentation, with no banter etc., etc., with the minimum of fuss and it's all done in earnest. That of course is no harm. I just think that some of the presenters may need to relax a bit more and bring out more of their own personalities... again it's a vague feeling I get. I have no doubt that as time goes on we will experience a more relaxed state in the station. The upheaval leading up to this could not have helped of course.

Max Headroom · 02-04-2014 8:40am

Declan A Walsh wrote: »

Sorry - I misread the schedule at a glance - it said Pogo Radio, not Pogo Rock!

Incidentally, I heard a bit of Gavin Glass tonight with The Pickup. Yet again, he is good at what he does. I'm not sure if I was overwhelmed by the music I did hear..... that's just a personal taste thing.

It's hard to explain exactly, but a lot of the time so far, in the last two days, the station had the feel of one on temporary license. I think it's the fact that it is a back to basics style of presentation, with no banter etc., etc., with the minimum of fuss and it's all done in earnest. That of course is no harm. I just think that some of the presenters may need to relax a bit more and bring out more of their own personalities... again it's a vague feeling I get. I have no doubt that as time goes on we will experience a more relaxed state in the station. The upheaval leading up to this could not have helped of course.

I thought that too...its like theyre playing it safe for the moment...but theres a thin line between safe and boring imo...

doc1976 · 02-04-2014 10:08pm

They really need to have a Joe sidekick on the afternoon show. He's not the same on his own and yes I do like him as a presenter.
Serious lack of any banter on any of the shows so far, I'm not looking for major laughs but it all seems a little dry.

Declan A Walsh · 02-04-2014 11:32pm

I just heard a small bit of Cathal Funge's new Wednesday night show (The Listening Post) in the car. It seems to be the same as his old Icon show from Phantom, i.e. the Irish music scene.

One thing I am curious about is (not haven heard that much of it): is it pre-recorded? I wonder because he has to host another breakfast show tomorrow morning from 7am. If it is live, that does not seen like a good idea, healthwise. On Radio Nova, Marty Miller has a similar arrangement, i.e. weekday breakfast show and a weekly night show (Dad Rock), but that's okay because Dad Rock is on Friday night.

If The Listening Post is live, Cathal could have swapped with Derek Byrne, who is on Friday night.

Big Nasty · 03-04-2014 6:15am

doc1976 wrote: »

They really need to have a Joe sidekick on the afternoon show. He's not the same on his own and yes I do like him as a presenter.
Serious lack of any banter on any of the shows so far, I'm not looking for major laughs but it all seems a little dry.

Good!

OldGoat · 03-04-2014 8:54am

doc1976 wrote: »

They really need to have a Joe sidekick on the afternoon show. He's not the same on his own and yes I do like him as a presenter.
Serious lack of any banter on any of the shows so far, I'm not looking for major laughs but it all seems a little dry.

This is where we differ. Some people are hoping for a talk & banter station. I'm hoping for a music station.
If the DJ is going to rabbit on about something then let it be about the record or band that s/he is about to play. A bit of history to the music. Like Cathal seems to be trying to do, apart from all the fooping tedious callOuts to people on their way to work.

The music choice is still very MOR, safe. It's like wallpaper, you know it's there but you seldom pay any attention to it.

When I'm limited to FM only broadcasts then I'll dip in and out of TX but when I have internets available then it's back to Radio6 or 8Radio.

former legend · 03-04-2014 11:28am

I'm enjoying Cathal Funge in the morning, keeps the crazy banter to a minimum, plays the music and I think the shoutouts to people are as much about convincing us he's actually live in the studio and not pre-recorded... but yeah, a nice gentle start to the day, I like it.

Caught a bit of Joe Donnelly's afternoon show yesterday. Not sure what to make of it, he's completely dropped the wackiness (a good thing) and maybe I'm being too harsh on him but he's going on about bands and albums and the whole thing just rings hollow, like he's reading from a script or something and doesn't really know what he's talking about. If I'd never heard him on Spin or on the Phantom breakfast show, I'd probably be grand with it so maybe I just need to give him more of a chance.

But if the 'Johnny' on "Parklife with Paul & Johnny" turns out to be Johnnnny Lyons from 98FM, I swear on my children I will burn Communicorp to the ground.

AlanDeGenerous · 03-04-2014 1:45pm

former legend wrote: »

I'm enjoying Cathal Funge in the morning, keeps the crazy banter to a minimum, plays the music and I think the shoutouts to people are as much about convincing us he's actually live in the studio and not pre-recorded... but yeah, a nice gentle start to the day, I like it.

Caught a bit of Joe Donnelly's afternoon show yesterday. Not sure what to make of it, he's completely dropped the wackiness (a good thing) and maybe I'm being too harsh on him but he's going on about bands and albums and the whole thing just rings hollow, like he's reading from a script or something and doesn't really know what he's talking about. If I'd never heard him on Spin or on the Phantom breakfast show, I'd probably be grand with it so maybe I just need to give him more of a chance.

But if the 'Johnny' on "Parklife with Paul & Johnny" turns out to be Johnnnny Lyons from 98FM, I swear on my children I will burn Communicorp to the ground.

Agree with that stuff about Joe. Yesterday, he was talking about Parquet Courts' new album coming out and for no real reason it was just irritating me. Like when Charlotte used to say what songs were coming up in the next hour, and Joe would interject and be like "oh that one yeah that's a great song, I love that"... God I wish they'd kept Charlotte over him. :rolleyes:

loveisdivine · 03-04-2014 2:13pm

I'm finding it a bit dull myself. But sure we all have different tastes.

The_Captain · 03-04-2014 3:05pm

After a few days of popping in and out, I think bland would be the best description of it.

"Hi I'm [presenter name], you're listening to TXFM 1052, here's a song from [band name]"
*boring song from a band formed 5 minutes ago*
*boring new single from a band you didn't realise were still releasing stuff*
*one of Pretzel Body Logic/Jake Bug/John Grant/Kodaline*
*boring song from a band formed 5 minutes ago*

Admittedly I haven't listened to much of the evening shows

Jason_ · 03-04-2014 4:14pm

The name 1052 txfm is a bit of a mouthful.

marwelie · 03-04-2014 4:33pm

Got a tweet from Phantom today asking me to listen to TXFM....bit like receiving a text message from your mother to remind you to buy a birthday card for your fathers mistress.....

AlanDeGenerous · 03-04-2014 4:41pm

marwelie wrote: »

Got a tweet from Phantom today asking me to listen to TXFM....bit like receiving a text message from your mother to remind you to buy a birthday card for your fathers mistress.....

I also saw they put up a message on Phantom's Facebook page to the same effect. Cue a sh*tstorm about how Joe is the worst presenter on Irish radio. It boggles the mind as to why they didn't just re-brand the Phantom Twitter and FB... would've given them a much bigger following from the get-go.

marwelie · 03-04-2014 5:35pm

Joe Donnelly definitely knows what hes on about. He was the straight man to Keith Walsh. He didnt really have a dynamic with Charlotte in the mornings and they were mismatched (IMO). The two Ritchies show was so popular that there was no chance of Ritchie Mc being paired up with Charlotte in the mornings again, which is unfortunate because they were brilliant together.

Bit strange having Cathal Funge on the radio at stupid o clock in the morning but a vast improvement on what came immediately after the demise of Phantom and before the launch of TXFM.

thalia_13 · 03-04-2014 8:05pm

The music playlist definitely is limited, every dj section seems to.play the same Imaginery Authors track, and the same Joan as Policewoman song. So that's those 2 songs every 3 hours, obviously there are other repeated songs but these two stand out, mainly because I hate them.
I tried to listen to.Joe in.afternoon, twice this week I.switched to RTE1 instead !!

marconi2.0 · 03-04-2014 10:09pm

AlanDeGenerous wrote: »

I also saw they put up a message on Phantom's Facebook page to the same effect. Cue a sh*tstorm about how Joe is the worst presenter on Irish radio. It boggles the mind as to why they didn't just re-brand the Phantom Twitter and FB... would've given them a much bigger following from the get-go.

Facebook pages can't be rebranded

Max Headroom · 04-04-2014 9:11pm

Listened for most of today...have to say i was impressed by todays playlist, good bit of variety, ...i was swayed by Leftfield/PIL though,...
I'm quite liking Joe Donnelly in the afternoon....just the right amount of chat....:)

twinklerunner · 04-04-2014 9:33pm

Max Headroom wrote: »

Listened for most of today...have to say i was impressed by todays playlist, good bit of variety, ...i was swayed by Leftfield/PIL though,...
I'm quite liking Joe Donnelly in the afternoon....just the right amount of chat....:)

I'm enjoying this station, so good to have decent music on a breakfast show in Dublin without a presenter's inane ramblings.

Saruwatari · 04-04-2014 10:52pm

The boss switched over to the station today in time for Joe Donnelly's show, pretty well surprised with the playlist! I mean still a lot of current ****e like all those sappy indie rock acts but the likes of Dinosaur Jr., Kurt Vile, Bjork and Leftfield well make up for it!

Junk Adele · 04-04-2014 11:23pm

Popping in and out for the last few days and have to say, it's like they got the Phantom playlist from the last couple of years and are just rehashing it. I feel sorry for people asking for requests during the day because, unless it's on the playlist, they aren't gonna play it. At the same time they make people who asked for a certain song, feel special.......they were going to play the Feckin song anyway. It's on the big circular Playlist. Rubbish. What's the point of saying you're changing a station when you're just playing the same stuff that was losing listeners by the second? Aaaagh.
Rant over.

Max Headroom · 05-04-2014 10:02am

Junk Adele wrote: »

losing listeners by the second? Aaaagh.
Rant over.

Well they hav me hooked.....:P

Thundercats Ho · 05-04-2014 3:35pm

Missed the launch, and just seen the schedule.
No R&R, and even more Joe D? Yeah, I'm out.

Declan A Walsh · 05-04-2014 6:12pm

I heard a bit of Parklife with Paul and Johnny this afternoon. They are new to me. By the way, it is not Johnny Lyons from 98FM. There seems to be a lot of time taken up with discussing sports results, especially The Premiership, and only a small amount of music. But I have not been listening all afternoon so I could have the wrong idea.

This is not a patch on Stadium Rock with Richie Ryan. I suppose its early days and all that.

Does anyone know who these two guys are?

Skid X · 05-04-2014 6:39pm

Declan A Walsh wrote: »

I heard a bit of Parklife with Paul and Johnny this afternoon. They are new to me. By the way, it is not Johnny Lyons from 98FM. There seems to be a lot of time taken up with discussing sports results, especially The Premiership, and only a small amount of music. But I have not been listening all afternoon so I could have the wrong idea.

This is not a patch on Stadium Rock with Richie Ryan. I suppose its early days and all that.

Does anyone know who these two guys are?

here you are ...

Paul Lynskey
@pablolynskano
Presenter and Producer of Parklife @TXFMdublin ...ex Frq Sports Saturday host/producer, ex Spin1038/Plan B helper outer

Johnny Cullen
@Johnny_San_Siro
Digital Client Manager in Starcom, @TXFMDublin Sports Broadcaster, Amateur Golfer with a tendency to think I'm a pro.Johnny.Cullen@txfm.ie

Max Headroom · 05-04-2014 6:41pm

Did i speak too soon........listening last night...Orange juice, Rip it up..then Bryan Ferry..cant remember song.....just now driving home....Orange Juice, Rip it up....then Bryan Ferry........sorry am i repeating myself.....

ghostdancer · 05-04-2014 10:59pm

only caught a bit of the first hour of the Pogo show earlier, but absolutely loved it. the interview with Kink was good and nice to have the songs he was talking about mixed in to break it up.
the 2 lads are a bit "amateur pirate radio", but the tunes were great, so doesn't matter really, sounded like they were enjoying themselves.

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime · 05-04-2014 11:08pm

I'm hear some pop on this station now.

not so much alternative or rock

I mean I hear the 1970 - chocolate !

Five Lamps · 06-04-2014 10:26pm

Declan A Walsh wrote: »

I heard a bit of Parklife with Paul and Johnny this afternoon. They are new to me. By the way, it is not Johnny Lyons from 98FM. There seems to be a lot of time taken up with discussing sports results, especially The Premiership, and only a small amount of music. But I have not been listening all afternoon so I could have the wrong idea.

This is not a patch on Stadium Rock with Richie Ryan. I suppose its early days and all that.

Does anyone know who these two guys are?

Tuned in today. Pretty poor show to the point of being boring. Ryan had the right balance between music and sport. He had the credibility of sporting knowledge and a great ability of being able to keep the pace so not to piss off non sports fans. The management would do well to reconsider their decision to axe Stadium Rock.

Third_Echelon · 07-04-2014 11:15am

The_Captain wrote: »

After a few days of popping in and out, I think bland would be the best description of it.

"Hi I'm [presenter name], you're listening to TXFM 1052, here's a song from [band name]"
*boring song from a band formed 5 minutes ago*
*boring new single from a band you didn't realise were still releasing stuff*
*one of Pretzel Body Logic/Jake Bug/John Grant/Kodaline*
*boring song from a band formed 5 minutes ago*

Admittedly I haven't listened to much of the evening shows

Yeah... it's very boring. Doesn't have the same buzz as Phantom.

I have to admit. Cathal in the morning is just way too dull. I wasn't really into Joe and Keith's "bants", but Richie, Michelle, Charlotte etc in the morning had it down to a tee. Perfect mix...

I think Cathal is a good DJ and plays good stuff, but he's just not suited to morning time. I've constantly found myself switching over from him to Newstalk! Must be getting old

Just heard Richie McCormack doing the sports news on Newstalk. It would be great if "Off The Ball" added Richie... Knows his sport as well as music.

The_Captain · 07-04-2014 4:21pm

I listened to Paul and Johnny over the weekend. They sound like they're about 15 and it came across like I was eavesdropping some lads chatting on the bus rather than a professional radio show.

I'm really confused as to the point of the relaunch. They've kept the unpopular playlisted music and got rid of the well-liked unplaylisted shows. They fired popular presenters and replaced them with inexperienced/boring presenters

It's like they've taken all the good bits from Phantom and kept the crap bits. I guarantee there's some accountant running the station behind the scenes, only interested in paying the lowest amount of royalties and getting the cheapest presenters available.

I've not heard Pogo or Niallers show but I've heard they're actually alright though

Declan A Walsh · 07-04-2014 9:12pm

I briefly heard another new presenter last night on "The Set List" - Paul Walsh. Anybody know anything about him? He was okay, by the way.

TXFM (formerly much missed Phantom) line up

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