I was interviewed about ‘Exposure’ by Delyth Liddell on the BBC Radio Wales multi-award-winning weekly programme ‘All Things Considered‘.
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STAR on Christmas with Eat The Storms
I was delighted to read some poems from ‘Star’ for Damien Donnelly’s Spotify podcast episode Christmas with Eat The Storms podcast. Damien is a sensitive host and creates a lovely positive ‘space’ around each poet. ideal Christmas listening.
My Ulster-Scots poetry on THRAN – the Podcast
In November 2024 I appeared on Thran – the Podcast being interivewed by Liam Logan about my Ulster-Scots poetry concerning the first World War. Listen here.
The photo of me below was taken at the recording of the interview at the Somme Museum, hence my sombre demeanour. I found being interviewed about my grandfather’s experience at the Somme to be a moving experience. The background is a kind of diorama of a battleground scene.
The Ulster-Scots word ‘thran’ means ‘stalwart to the point of stubborness’.
STAR on Arts Show Radio Wales
On December 13th I was interviewed by Gary Raymond, host of BBC Radio Wales’s Arts Show
16-24 Dec. Poem a day from ‘STAR’ on Evening Extra BBC Radio Ulster
Every day from Monday 16th December till Tuesday 24th December, Christmas Eve, I’ll read a poem on BBC Radio Ulster’s drivetime programme, ‘Evening Extra’.
A bold idea, mixing headlines, weather reports and poetry!
The poems are from my collection, ‘STAR: poems for the Christmas Season’ (Culture and Democracy Press). STAR is available from No Alibis, Belfast; The Secret Bookshelf, Carrickfergus; Little Acorns, Derry or any bookstore. Online up to last posting dates from The Books Council of Wales gwales.com https://tinyurl.com/37f4rruj. ARTWORK copyright Martin Erspamer.
Monday 16th:
Tuesday 17th:
Wednesday 18th:
Thursday 19th
Friday 20th
Monday 23rd
Tuesday 24th
BBC Radio Wales: Weekend Word
Excerpt: On 1st December
We are living at a time when, through the media, we see power being wielded ruthlessly. We witness the destruction caused by war and by wayward market forces. Often the two are linked. There’s so much conflict happening that the news can hardly keep up with it. It can feel overwhelming.
The 2023 Reuters Institute digital news report states that close to 36% of news consumers say they avoid news, often or sometimes. To some extent this is prompted by concern to protect mental health. We need accurate and trustworthy news but its frequency and pervasiveness across platforms can lead to feelings of helplessness – knowing so much; able to do so little.
And some interests will encourage us to stay passive; to undervalue the good we can do; to leave politics to the powerful; to neglect the power of compassion, generosity, solidarity. I try to describe that cynical outlook in this short poem:
DECEMBER 28th
After Christmas – always – Childermas: Slaughter of Innocents; Threat Neutralised.
The Prince of War, glistening with success, allures us.
This, he says, is what you want. Not a stable, sheep-herding losers, a star.
Good Friday – Weekend Word
‘Good Morning Wales’ programme, BBC Radio Wales with Felicity Evans and Wyre Davies.
Luther: the Media Campaign
Weekend Word, BBC Radio Wales ahead of the 500th anniversary of the start of the Reformation.
The illustration is from a pro-Luther illustration of the alleged corruption of the Roman Catholic church of his day.
Artistry & Poetry on the Jamie Owen Show
I first worked in radio for the BBC in Wales in 1981. I’m still learning. On the 2nd July 2017 on the Jamie Owen Show I learned: always have your opening prepared, no matter how informal the programme. The right blend of spontaneity and clarity flows more easily after that.
This show mixes recorded music, live performance, two guest commentators and two interviewees. The brief is weird and wonderful angles on the week’s news so, along with fellow commentator, comedian, Frank Honeybone, I enjoyed sharing some ‘couldn’t-make-it-up’ stories with listeners.
Resourcing Journalists to Report on Faith & Belief
Many mainstream stories feature religion as an element in the mix. It might be the conjunction of religion and violence; the clash of ethnicity, faith and culture or controversy around the relation of secular ideology and faith-based values. Who takes responsibility for ensuring that journalism students and professional journalists are well-equipped to interpret the powerful impetus of religion at home and abroad – and not only religion but belief in a wider sense?
The answer, in Wales, has been almost no one.
But that is changing, and Wales is at the forefront. In Cardiff on November 8th a day-long workshop was held which it is hoped will have a positive effect on the training of professional journalists and on university curricula.
Continue reading Resourcing Journalists to Report on Faith & Belief