Erica Follows-Smith
Programming
Meet the Team: Erica Follows-Smith
Erica Follows-Smith has been a cornerstone of Athlone Community Radio for over ten years. With her passion for community work and a deep appreciation for music, Erica has helped shape the station into a vibrant hub for local voices. From producing programmes to coordinating training and supporting presenters, Erica’s dedication ensures that the heart of ACR beats strong.
About Me
How long have you worked at the station?
I think it’s been about ten years now.
What do you enjoy most about working at Athlone Community Radio?
My favourite thing is the environment — it’s such a genuinely nice place to work. I think that comes from being volunteer-led. The people who shape the radio are here because they love radio or they want to be involved in the community. That positive energy comes through in the workplace.
I love meeting so many different people. I meet people I probably would never have met outside of this place, and everyone has a story. Everyone has something special about themselves. It’s wonderful to watch people blossom here — to see them develop new skills, gain confidence, and head off in new directions.
Do you prefer producing in the studio or managing programmes?
I really love producing programmes. I’ve mostly produced current affairs. I started by researching for Athlone Today, helping presenters, preparing running orders, finding interviews, writing intros and questions, and later working closely with the sound division.
Before the lockdown, I took a break, and when I came back I helped with summer camps and training. From there I became the series producer of Athlone Today, and now I’m the current affairs coordinator. I don’t produce as much now, but I support presenters and producers in their work.
Radio & Music Vibes
Does the arrival of new volunteers change the dynamic of the station?
Absolutely. Community radio is very organic. We do have guidelines and policies — like the bumpers in a bowling alley — to keep things on course. But within those guidelines there’s so much room for creativity. The station adapts to the participants. Everyone brings different strengths, and that makes the whole place exciting, constantly changing, and dynamic. It can also be sad sometimes when we have to say goodbye, but that’s part of the cycle.
How do you celebrate birthdays at ACR?
We’re very modest about birthdays! But if we know it’s coming up, we try to get a card signed by as many people as possible. That can be a challenge because volunteers come at different times. The names on the card depend on who has physically been in the building that day. But it’s important — a small way to say thank you for adding energy, direction, and creativity to the station.
What’s the best way to give someone a “send-off” at ACR?
The best send-off is keeping the door open so they can always come back. In community radio, you get out of it what you put in. The effort is never wasted — it’s always a step toward something new. I’m constantly amazed by what I’ve learned here, from producing and presenting shows to working on sound-division projects. I never thought I had that ability in me. But none of it would have happened without the whole team.
Is ACR connected to other stations in Ireland?
Yes, through CRAOL — the national umbrella organization for community radios in Ireland. They advocate for recognition and funding, and they provide incredible support. During COVID, for example, they set up a national news desk where stations could share content because studios had restrictions. It helped us stay open, functioning, and supporting the community with important information. CRAOL also hosts workshops and the annual Gala Awards, where each station can submit two or three programmes for recognition.
Music & Personal Vibes
What music do you enjoy at home during Christmas?
When I’m decorating the Christmas tree, I’d put on cabaret-style songs, a bit of Depeche Mode, some classical pieces, Slade (Merry Christmas Everybody), George Michael, Annie Lennox — she has a fabulous voice.
Do you enjoy dancing?
I love traditional Irish dancing. I can do a little sean nós dancing — small steps, done on a flagstone in front of the fire. It’s a bit like tap dancing, with very particular steps. I find it fascinating. I also love watching Welsh clog dancing and other traditional forms.
Random Revealing
Favourite local shop or café?
Anywhere with books — a café where you can relax, read, and enjoy a cozy atmosphere.
How would you describe your personality using radio terminology?
Promos. Because promos encourage, inform, highlight what’s coming up — and they’re full of energy and love for the radio. I like helping people shine, finding the “gold” in them and helping them bring it forward.
What music do you listen to currently?
I’m listening to a lot of older music at the moment — Blue Öyster Cult, Fleetwood Mac, Neil Young, The Clash. I also love Enya. And I enjoy watching old clips of The Chieftains or The Dubliners on YouTube.
Do you listen to ACR when driving?
If I connect my phone to Bluetooth, yes. I love listening to it.
The Wacky Corner
If you woke up one day with a superpower, what would it be?
To understand and speak any language — all languages. I try hard to learn languages, but it doesn’t come naturally to me. Being able to speak to anyone, anywhere, would make life so interesting. I’d also love to talk to animals, like Doctor Dolittle — birds, fish, plants — everything!
Do you have a personal mascot at home?
I have a dog and a cat, but my real “mascot” is a small smooth pebble I inherited from my aunt. She kept it on her mantelpiece. It reminds me of her, of holidays we spent together, and of the seaside town we visited. It connects me to a place and a person I loved.
Community Impact
What message would you like to share with listeners?
That this is your station. We’re here to share your stories. With a mobile phone, it’s so easy now to record memories, events, and experiences. We’re always happy to help shape that into something broadcastable — within our standards and our Ethical Charter. Athlone Community Radio is a place for community voices.
Quick Fire
Do you have a favourite Irish word?
Yes — cushla. It means “pulse” — the beat of the heart, the movement of life and love through the body. It’s a beautiful word.
What’s your radio pet peeve?
(laughs) My real pet peeves probably shouldn’t go on record! Sometimes I listen to commercial stations and think, “They have a big budget — they should meet higher broadcast standards.” But let’s skip that one!
If you could choose a new station mascot, what would it be?
A parrot! Parrots can talk — perfect for radio. And I love parrots. I used to have two.
Sunrise or sunset?
Sunset.