Dessie Parkes : Programming & Management

Meet the Team: Dessie Parkes 

Dessie is Athlone Community Radio’s Staff.

In 2018, Dessie Parkes joined Athlone Community Radio through a TUS scheme with no prior experience in radio . Dessie studied Music Performance & Music Technology in college. Today, Dessie is a permanent staff member and the station’s Programming Broadcast Coordinator, as well as a co-trainer delivering QQI-accredited courses in Media Expression (Level 3) and Community Radio Skills for Citizen Journalists (Level 4) . His journey from newcomer to broadcast leader demonstrates the power of dedication and community.

Work at the Station

Dessie manages the programming department, oversees the broadcasting schedule , and ensures every programme goes out on time . He produces and presents the Irish New Releases programme  and occasionally presents Athlone Today, the current affairs show.

Daily responsibilities include:

• Meeting with new volunteers who wish to get involved in programming
• Arranging and facilitating meetings between the programming team and volunteers
• Searching for new ideas and content for programmes
• Ensuring all programmes go out on time and presenters are ready

Achievements / Highlights

• The most significant achievement is Starting on a TUS scheme in 2018 with no radio experience and becoming a permanent staff member
• Introducing the Irish New Releases Show
• Contributing to heritage programmes and outside broadcasts. Being part of the making of heritage programmes, and being involved in outside broadcasts;
• Part of the Athlone Today team that won gold at the Craol Awards
• Distinctions in QQI Community Radio Skills (Level 4) and Train-the-Trainer (Level 6)

Q&A with Dessie

Favourite thing about working at Athlone Community Radio:
Meeting new people from the community who come in to produce shows or be interviewed. I also like the training aspect of my job, where I train people how to produce and record programmes for broadcast. 

Most unexpected part of being involved in community radio:
I never in a million years thought when I first started that I would be able to produce, record and present programmes, but with the help of others at the start, over time my confidence grew, and now I love it. 

First song you ever loved: 

Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd 

Ultimate radio hero or inspiration: 

John Creedon, I think he has a really good radio voice, very soothing. He has great taste in music and has a great way of telling stories. 

If you could instantly master one instrument: 

Piano 

If your life had a theme song, what would it be: 

We Will Rock You by Queen 

Pineapple on pizza — yes or no? 

Yes! 

You’re suddenly an Olympic athlete. What’s your sport (real or made-up)?: 

100-metre sprinter and world record holder 

What does “community” mean to you?
Community is where people come together and share ideas, knowledge, and thoughts to make life better for everyone 

How does Athlone inspire your work?
The people of Athlone that inspire me to do the work I do at the station, the volunteers that work tirelessly to help others, and the community groups set up to get people involved in their community. The talented musicians/artists. To give a voice to the people of Athlone. 

Quick Fire Round

Vinyl or streaming? → Vinyl 

Cats or dogs? → Dogs 

Text or call? → Call 

Go-to karaoke song? → Sweet Home Alabama 

Something that makes you nostalgic? → Music 

Dessie’s dedication to mentoring volunteers, producing quality programmes, and supporting local talent helps keep Athlone Community Radio a hub for creativity and community connection. We’re excited to continue sharing his work and impact with our listeners.