BLB Sounds From The Past

By: Mark Quinn Radiogenic Productions
  • Summary

  • This 5-part podcast series takes listeners through the incredible history of a community radio station formerly based in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland which was launched in 1979. The station began as a pirate radio operation, challenging conventional broadcasting norms and setting the stage for global innovation in community radio. The series, told from the perspective of one of its founders, Mark Quinn, provides a deeply personal account of the station’s journey and its profound impact on everyone who was in its orbit.


    Credits:

    Sound recording by Mike Quinn

    Sound mixing by Luke Conlon

    High Wire Post Production, Dublin, Ireland

    www.highwire.ie


    Artwork by Jody Hogg Design

    www.jodyhogg.com


    Produced and presented by Mark Quinn

    © 2025 BLB Sounds From The Past
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Episodes
  • Episode 3. Voices of Bray
    Mar 13 2025

    In the third episode of this five-part podcast series, Mark Quinn continues his journey through history of Bray Local Broadcasting. As the 1980s progressed, BLB experienced significant growth and development, establishing itself as a potent presence in North Wicklow and South County Dublin. The station's programming expanded dramatically, offering a diverse range of shows that catered to various interests and communities. This growth was matched by an upgrade in its technical capabilities, with the installation of a more powerful transmitter, which greatly improved the signal strength and expanded BLB's reach. As a result, more voices from the local community were able to be heard, and BLB’s unique version of community radio flourished. The station became a vital platform for local expression, creativity, and connection, embodying the true spirit of community-driven broadcasting.

    Send us a direct message.

    Bray Talking Heads – Stories from a Seaside Town. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella, and Pat Hannon. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or email us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com

    https://blb.buzzsprout.com

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    33 mins
  • Episode 2. The Sound Way To Spend Your Day
    Mar 6 2025

    Send us a text

    In the second of five episodes, we learn how a determined group of young people managed to get their radio station on the air. Before launching, they carefully considered a unique approach to broadcasting. They were determined not to follow in the footsteps of other pirate stations operating at the time. Bray Local Broadcasting was set to stand out, and it very much did when it launched at 11 am on Wednesday August 22nd 1979.

    Bray Talking Heads – Stories from a Seaside Town. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella, and Pat Hannon. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or email us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com

    https://blb.buzzsprout.com

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    26 mins
  • Episode 1. From Idea to Airwaves: The BLB Origins
    Feb 27 2025

    Send us a text

    In the first of five episodes, Mark Quinn takes us back to the late 1970s to explore the origins of pirate radio in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland. He reveals how Southside Radio, and later BLB, provided exciting and fresh experiences for both the deejays and listeners in Bray. Through this journey, we get a glimpse of life during that time and learn how the story of BLB began.

    Bray Talking Heads – Stories from a Seaside Town. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella, and Pat Hannon. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or email us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com

    https://blb.buzzsprout.com

    Show more Show less
    31 mins

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