IMRO Hall of Fame induction for former head of LMFM
Michael Crawley one of four radio figures honoured
Former LMFM Radio chief executive officer, Michael Crawley, has been inducted into the IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame, alongside Teena Gates of Bauer Media Ireland, Helen Ní Shé of RTÉ Raidió Na Gaeltachta and Lyric FM's Marty Whelan. The IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame honours individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to radio, across both on-air and behind-the-scenes roles. This year’s honourees are four distinct figures, each with a career that has helped shape the sound, standards and future of Irish radio.
Michael Crawley was inducted into the IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contribution to LMFM and the wider independent radio sector. Crawley joined LMFM as CEO in June 1991, a position he held until June 2026. Throughout his tenure, the station won multiple broadcasting awards for the quality of its service. Beyond LMFM, Michael has played a major role in the development of independent radio in Ireland. He was instrumental in the establishment of IRS, INN, Learning Waves and Radiocentre Ireland, helping to build structures that continue to support the sector. Michael’s contribution to Learning Waves has been especially significant. In 2003, he championed the organisation’s application to Skillnet Ireland and volunteered to act as Network Promoter, a move that proved pivotal in securing the support of radio stations and, ultimately, Skillnet funding in 2004. He went on to lead the establishment of the Learning Waves Board and company, serving as its first chairperson from 2004 to 2008, returning to the role in 2011. Across six years as chairperson, he became the longest-serving chair in the organisation’s history.
Teena Gates is one of the most recognisable voices in Irish radio news. An award-winning journalist, broadcaster and educator, her career has spanned RTÉ, 98FM, Today FM, Newstalk and Network News across independent radio in Ireland. Helen Ní Shé – RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta Chuir Helen Ní Shé tús lena gairm craoltóireachta le RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta sa bhliain 1986 agus thug sí beagnach 40 bliain as san go 2024 ag obair mar léiritheoir agus mar láithreoir cumasach, críochnúil le cluais ghéar agus le comhbhá as an gcoitiantacht.
RTÉ lyric fm Marty Whelan has been one of Ireland’s most beloved and enduring radio voices for more than four decades. His RTÉ radio career began in 1979 and he is now best known to listeners as the presenter of the award-winning 'Marty in the Morning' on RTÉ lyric fm. The programme has become a cherished part of the morning routine for audiences across the country, blending music, warmth, humour and conversation. Marty’s ability to create a one-to-one connection with listeners is central to his enduring appeal. Marty has been the voice of the Eurovision Song Contest for Ireland since 2000, a role he has made his own with warmth, wit and deep affection.