35 Years of GCN nominated for Best Documentary at prestigious radio awards

A radio documentary on the history of GCN has been nominated for the IMRO Radio Awards.

Image shows David Norris with GCN archive
Image: From Soundcloud, newstalk fm

35 Years of GCN, a documentary produced by Shaun and Maurice and funded by the Coimisiún na Meán Sound and Vision scheme, is a contender for Best Documentary at the IMRO Radio Awards.

The ceremony for these prestigious awards, celebrating the pinnacle of Irish radio broadcasting, will take place on October 4 at the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny. Sponsored by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO), which advocates for the rights of Irish broadcast creators, and Coimisiún na Meán, the independent regulator for broadcasting and on-demand services, these awards recognise the best in the industry.

The documentary commemorates the rich legacy of  GCN, an essential publication for the Irish LGBTQ+ community since its founding 1988. Through in-depth interviews with pioneering figures like Tonie Walsh and Senator David Norris, the documentary sheds light on GCN’s origins and its profound impact on Irish society.

Conversations with former GCN editors Brian Finnegan and Lisa Connell further illustrate the magazine’s role in documenting the struggles, triumphs, and everyday lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in Ireland.

GCN was co-founded by Catherine Glendon and Tonie Walsh in the late 1980s, during the height of the AIDS epidemic, a period marked by significant challenges for the LGBTQ+ community. The first issue of GCN was published in February 1988, marking the start of its enduring history. 

Since then, GCN has served as a vital platform for the voices of queer people throughout Ireland and beyond, chronicling the community’s journey through times of crisis and celebration.

In 2022, GCN took a significant step in preserving its history by pledging to digitise its entire print catalogue, which includes more than 300 issues. The first decade of this archive is now freely available online, allowing readers worldwide to access and explore this rich history.

35 Years of GCN not only honours the publication’s enduring influence but also highlights the resilience and solidarity of the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland. This powerful documentary is a fitting tribute to GCN’s vital role and makes it a strong candidate for the IMRO Radio Award for Best Documentary.

You can listen to a short clip of 35 Years of GCN here.

© 2024 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.

Support GCN

GCN is a free, vital resource for Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community since 1988.

GCN is a trading name of National LGBT Federation CLG, a registered charity - Charity Number: 20034580.

GCN relies on the generous support of the community and allies to sustain the crucial work that we do. Producing GCN is costly, and, in an industry which has been hugely impacted by rising costs, we need your support to help sustain and grow this vital resource.

Supporting GCN for as little as €1.99 per month will help us continue our work as Ireland’s free, independent LGBTQ+ media.

0 comments. Please sign in to comment.