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Posted by 194 on June 7, 2004, 9:34:05 LOVE him or loathe him, you cannot ignore Neil Prendeville. As imbedded in Cork culture as Roy Keane himself, with a voice as recognisable as the former's scowl, Neil has, over time, carved himself a substantial niche on the County's airwaves.
Neil Prendeville currently the well known talk show presenter on Cork 96FM is also remembered as 'Jim Lockhart' on Cork pirate stations during the 1980s such as the original South Coast Radio, WBEN and ERI. Here is an interview he gave to 'Inside Cork' (fortnightly Cork free newspaper) dated Thursday December 18th, 2003
A native of Cork, Neil has been involved in the radio industry for the best part of 25 years, both as on on-air presenter and programme controller. Born in 1961, Neil's interest in radio occurred in his teens when he began working on a number of pirate stations. "Initially my interest was in music radio as is often the case when you are younger. I worked for many of the stations around at the time which was in the region of five or six. There was no money to be made in it, so those of us who would DJ by day would also gig by night in order to make ends meet.
"We would work in venues such as Bogart's and the Carousel. I was actually studying accountancy at the time while taking night classes but I hated it. I didn't like the idea of counting someone else's money. I prefer to count my own. It just wasn't for me so I packed it in."
As is often the case, 'it's not what you know, but who you know' that counts when attempting to break into the media circle. Many of those who now earn their crust through the media, will look back on a number of lucky breaks, chance meetings and helping hands, all of which played their part in establishing them. Neil was no different. "I went to Canada in 1987 because the word in the radio industry was that North America was the place to be. Jobs were plentiful and the money was good. That wasn't quite true. I remember struggling for 6 months looking for work. I worked in pubs, telesales and anything I could get."
The scenario proved to be typical of the 'closed circle' nature of the industry, something still very much in evidence today. "I think that first and foremost, drive is important. If you haven't got it, you wont get anywhere. You simply have to put in the graft to get to where you want to be. I worked for six months and it could have turned out very differently. It's easy to get carried away with earning the kind of money I was eventually on. Eventually I got my break.
"A bar I used to work in called Mr K's was often frequented by a number of radio personal. I eventually talked my way in and they helped me out. My first job was on the news team as an anchor and reporter for CJKL. The time spent here changed my priorities and gave me the interest in communicating through radio. I mean radio is not a disc jockey spinning records and giving a weather report. Radio is communicating to the listeners."
The communication issue is something which warrants discussion. In a profession which requires playing the Devil's Advocate, expressing opinions on controversial topics is always guaranteed to rub some people up the
wrong way As a result, Neil Prendeville is as equally loathed as he is loved by the people of Cork.
However, as has been proved time and time again, any publicity is good publicity, a fact exemplified by the continually high ratings that 'The Opinion Line' receives. Is he bothered by the adverse effects this kind of attention occasionally brings with the territory?
"It's something that took time to adjust to. But in the end, you're forcing discussion, bringing to the fore issues which need to come into the public domain. Whether people like me or not is irrelevant as long as people react because that's what it's all about."
Is there a line to be drawn when considering possible subjects?
"You have to be safe in this business because of the strict nature of
the Irish libel laws. The Ian Bailey case is proof of that. I have had stories where I have decided best to leave it lie. In particular, family cases. It's very unlike the American market where anyone can say almost anything and get away with it. Garbage like Ricki Lake and the like are lowest common denominator." Are you glad that these laws are in place in Ireland or does it make your job harder? "I'm glad because it means a higher standard of radio broadcast. Despite the fact that RTE does not fulfil the needs and requirements of a National Broadcaster, they realise this. Gerry Ryan and Joe Duffy are, in my opinion, getting it right."
Neil Prendeville, the radio personality, is a character ripe for parody as is any public figure who stirs controversy. He now finds himself part of the annual Panto season in which he plays himself to begin with. For Neil it's a new experience and one which he is enjoying. "It's been great. I never imagined it would be so much work though. I could never criticise someone who puts in the effort to do something like this again, having done it myself. The first few nights have been quite an experience but I'm beginning to find my feet."
As for the Christmas period, Neil says he's looking forward to putting his feet up. "I enjoy the traditional Christmas festivities. I want to spend the time relaxing with my family and enjoying the Christmas dinner. Maybe have a few friends over. And New Year's Resolutions? "Keep doing what I'm doing."
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