#TheShowSpotlight is a series where we put the limelight on your favourite radio shows across the IRS+ network. From breakfast shows to documentaries, there’s plenty to come, so keep your eyes, and ears, peeled!
For our next spotlight, we are happy to introduce you to Midlands Today, the flagship show on Midlands 103 which has been hosted by Will Faulkner for over 17 years. It has earned multiple accolades, including a PPI Radio Award for Best Current Affairs Programme PPI. The shows covers everything from politics and current affairs to light hearted entertainment.
“When people in the midlands want to talk, they talk to Will Faulkner.”
No truer words were ever spoken, and if you’re looking for latest news from around the midlands, the country and world delivered in a factual and non-biased way, look no further than our flagship show Midlands Today with Will Faulkner, 9am-12pm Monday to Friday
The show, which was named Current Affairs Show of the Year in 2016 at the PPI Radio Awards, covers the most talked about topics from over seas, to the important and personal issues / stories in Laois, Offaly and Westmeath.
The programme is home to weekly and monthly features, Gardening with Arthur O’Meara, Mr. Fix It, Headaches and Heartaches, Citizen’s Advice, ReWine and Review, The Friday Panel, and All Revved Up.
It’s also a platform for people in the region to raise issues in their local area that are impacting their daily lives.
Check out snippets of the Midlands Today show with Will Faulkner below:
Gift of Hope: Denise Quinn and Syl Sexton were left in shock, when they won a complete round of fertility treatment on Midlands 103. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Will broke the news to them.
Anti-Social Behaviour: Manager of the Bridge Centre Shopping Centre in Tullamore opened up about the level of abuse he was getting from teenagers.
Heated Panel Discussion: Every Friday, three guests join Will in studio to discuss the news stories of the week and sometimes things can get very heated.
Electricity Prices: A Laois fishmonger was left ‘irate’ following an increase of €6,000 in his electricity bill for two months supply. Alan Mitchell from Al’s Fish Shop says his bill was €2,000, and he was unable to control his anger when he spoke with Will on the Midlands Today Show.
The Midlands Today Show is broadcasted between 9am and 12 noon Monday to Friday.
Will Faulkner, Midlands Today, Midlands 103
Will has been presenting the programme since 2006, after joining the station two years earlier as Head of News. The award winning broadcaster doesn’t get to put his feet up after the show, as he also is the Managing Director.
Sinéad Hubble, Midlands Today, Midlands 103
The show is produced by Sinéad Hubble, who has been given the title of the “Duchess of Oldcastle” – after her home town in Meath, but it’s not the only name he has for her.
Will often refers to her as the “Chief Executive of the Midlands Today Show”, as she’s responsible for planning the daily current affairs show, booking the guests, creating the running order and keeping everything running smoothly!
Sinéad is also the head of the station’s award-winning News, Sport & Current Affairs team, a position she’s held since March 2018.
After nearly two decades of collaboration, they have not only steered the show to success but also subjected each other to various challenges and adventures. From artificial insemination at the National Ploughing Championships to throwing Sinéad out of a plane, their camaraderie goes beyond the studio. They are also assisted by the dedicated team from the Midlands 103 News, Sport and Current Affairs Department.