3R Productions – RNN

The broadcasting environment in Ireland changed radically in 1989 with the advent of the first independent radio stations. Communities around the country were encouraged to make their own voices heard on the airwaves. Faith and Spirituality were important parts of that voice and needed to be explored on the new local radio stations.

As a as a result of a meeting called by CMRS, what became 3R Productions (Religious Resources for Radio) came into being in 1990. At the instigation of CORI the service was formally inaugurated in 1991, under the trusteeship of the Divine Word Missionaries, Dominicans, Vincentians, Mercy Sisters and the Jesuits. The Church of Ireland Broadcasting Committee was invited to get involved at the very early stages, since the service was conceived as an ecumenical one from the beginning.

At that point the Jesuit Communication Centre was also in the process of being established. John Dardis SJ, the Director of the JCC, also became Director of 3R Productions. Alan McGuckian SJ, also from the Communications Centre, became involved in 3R Productions as did Niamh O' Carroll and Martin Browne. Every fortnight a tape carrying a number of short interviews was produced and syndicated to local broadcasters.

Studio and editing facilities were provided at the Church of Ireland Theological College, Braemor Park . Office and administrative facilities were provided by the Jesuit Communication Centre. 3R Productions Ltd was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in April 1997. In 1998 a new studio was opened at 36 Lower Leeson Street and in 1999 we changed from sending out cassette tapes and instead sent interviews on CD format.

In spring 1993 Marie Stuart RSM became Assistant Director and in 1994 she replaced John Dardis SJ as Director. Liam Cahill was Director 2004/2005.

In November 2005 Eileen Good joined 3R as Director and retired in 2009, Miriam Gormally, Editor of RNN now takes on the role of Editor and Director .

(Josepha Smith is currently acting Director and Editor whilst Miriam is on maternity leave:  Jan 2010)