Carlow College graduate, Philip Keegan, has been selected for a sought-after paid journalism placement at Midlands 103 through the 2025 Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme.

Now entering its sixth year, the programme, run in partnership with the independent commercial radio sector, Coimisiún na Meán and Skillnet Ireland, places ten graduates in radio stations around Ireland for five-month paid assignments.

Philip graduated from the BA (Hons) in Arts & Humanities in 2024 and progressed to complete an MA in Journalism at the University of Galway. Following his postgraduate studies, Philip was successful in securing a highly sought-after place on the Learning Waves Graduate Programme – as one of ten students chosen from over 65 applicants nationwide to work in stations in Dublin, Clare, Kerry, Louth, Galway, Wicklow, Offaly, Sligo and Longford.

Speaking of how his undergraduate studies have helped kickstart his journalism career, Philip said: “The English modules I studied in Carlow College St. Patricks aided my literacy to produce good quality writing. I also gained a solid foundation of what it takes to carry out practical research for projects at Carlow College and I now use this foundation in the field of broadcast journalism. In my final year, I took a drama module which also boosted my confidence, which is certainly needed to be a journalist.“

At the programme launch, Teresa Hanratty, Learning Waves Project Manager, emphasised the importance of journalism in tumultuous times: “Current events happening across the globe have again proven how the role of the journalist has never been more important in disseminating reliable and trustworthy information.”

The 2025 placements began in September and will run through February 2026, offering Philip the opportunity to gain practical newsroom and broadcasting experience at Midlands 103, serving his home region and beyond.