Earlier today I met with Newstalk management who told me that despite positive ratings and performance, my Saturday night radio show “Global Village” has been cancelled. I am shocked and deeply disappointed at this sudden news.
10 years ago, I set out to create a unique radio show which served as a platform to highlight the voices of the most vulnerable in our society and the issues that affect their lives – issues that I personally care passionately about.
Presenting “Global Village” every Saturday night between 19.00-20.00 on Newstalk has been one of the greatest privileges of my life and I enjoyed my time working on it immensely. Over the years I have worked with a fantastic production team and collaborated with countless voluntary and community groups nationwide and together we created something special, a space in Irish media that not only raised awareness but inspired listeners to be part of the change. Shining a light on social justice and mental health issues such as marriage equality, gender recognition, integration, undocumented workers and direct provision, penal reform, gender equality, women’s rights, disability, domestic violence, sexual abuse and violence and homelessness just to mention a few, has been my life’s work and I was proud to create a much needed space for these issues on Irish media.
I am grateful to the Newstalk team as they believed in me and gave me an opportunity to highlight the issues that mattered to me. Over the years Global Village survived numerous scheduling changes and cut backs and on two occasions I personally sourced sponsors to ensure the future of the programme.
As someone who has first-hand experience of what it feels like to be on the outside looking in I will continue my work as a journalist and advocate for those on the margins of our society. It has always been my personal belief that equality for one person is equality for all and have always regarded my work on Global Village more than just a job but my own civic duty to spark positive social change one conversation at a time.
In keeping with the universal message of the show and indeed my work as an activist, broadcaster, diversity trainer and mental health service provider through Insight Matters, I have always ended each show by reminding our listeners that we are all part of a Global Village.
My heartfelt thanks to all who have journeyed with me over the years and I look forward to connecting with you all again as I continue my work through different channels for change.
Hi
That’s dreadful.
I love your show and as a hetero man I’m ashamed. You stood up for your principles and it’s obvious why your show has been cancelled.
I’m done with newstalk . Goid luck
I am sorry to hear your show has been cancelled abruptly. I have listened to your show occasionally in the past. I have read so many nasty comments regarding your departure from Newstalk and I feel it’s very unjust the whole thing.
I can not believe they are allowing George Hook to come back to work and canaceling your show.
I will be making a complaint to Newstalk.
I wish you every success in your career and life.
Best wishes
Lís
This is a pity but hopefully a new opertunity is just around the corner. I am sure this is not the last we have heard of you.
So sorry to hear this Dil. I’ve enjoyed your show so much over the years. You’ll be missed.
Best wishes Carole
So sorry to see you go Dil, you are always, inspiring, fun and interesting, very much Newstalk loss, you will be snapped up by a more progressive and enlightened station.
Will be looking forward to hearing from you soon, mind yourself and continue to do what you do, Integrity will always shine through! Marian x