Simon O’Leary

Reporter and Producer

MND MRH MPM Radio Programming & Production

2018 Graduate Simon O’Leary

I really found my feet during the two year radio course as it was so hands on and practical.

I did Media & Broadcasting Diploma (MND) then Radio Programming & Production Diploma Level 6 Higher National Diploma (MRH) course and then Media Production Management BA Degree all in BCFE

The lecturers are so encouraging and supportive of work placements and they have the network to help you get your foot in the door of Ireland’s biggest broadcasters. It’s so important to put the theory learned in lectures into practice in the workplace as it’s the only way to get a start in the industry. Ballyfermot is so encouraging of this and I’ll always be forever grateful for their drive to get me into the workplace.

I’m now living in London and freelance as a producer for Sky News and Channel 4 News. I’m currently a reporter and producer on the BBC’s flagship day time news programme, The Victoria Derbyshire programme which airs each weekday on BBC Two and the News Channel.

See my BBC TV Report here

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07tcsfv

Sharon O Donohue HND in Television Operations & Production Testimonial

Sharon O’Donoghue

Promotions Producer for TV3

MND ITH HND in Television Operations & Production

When I set about searching for the right media course, Ballyfermot came highly recommended by various industry professionals I’d contacted for advice. I attended two courses at BCFE, BJS (now MND – Diploma in Media & Broadcasting) and THND (now ITH HND in Television Operations & Production). My time at Ballyfermot was very enjoyable and well worth it. Since leaving BCFE, I have worked for all the major players such as The Farm, Setanta Sports, RTE and TV3. It’s been fantastic to work alongside many of the friends I made at the college. At present I am working full time as a Promotions Producer for TV3.

Damien O’Reilly

Radio Producer & Presenter RTE Radio 1

MND Media & Broadcasting

I have been working in RTE Radio 1 for the past ten years. I produce and present on Radio One each Saturday morning at 8.30am. I also stand in for Joe Duffy on Liveline and I also present the sport on Morning Ireland from time to time. Before joining RTE in 1998, I worked in Shannonside Northern Sound Radio for five years. I was a BJS (now MND – Diploma in Media & Broadcasting) student in Senior College from 1990 to 1992. Without doubt, I would never have made it in the media world without my time in Ballyfermot. I learned so much about the media, and many of the tips and hints I learned from there back then, I still use today in my work. I made friends for life there whom I keep in regular contact with. And it’s thanks to Brenda, Joan, Fergal, John and Jim that I am still working in radio today.