Pamela Joyce is one of the bubbliest people, not just on the radio, but in general. She’s a breath of fresh air.
VIP Magazine caught up with the Today FM presenter as she launched The Big Busk for Focus Ireland this month.
During our chat, Pamela reminisced about her start on radio and how much has changed in recent years.
She admits that she is “so proud“ to hear all the women on air, with more and more being given the opportunity to get behind the mic in recent years.
“I remember when I first started in radio, someone once said to me ‘People don’t really like women on the radio’. I was like, ‘Sorry what?’, “ she tells us.
“Traditionally, if you go back to the 60s, 70s, 80s it would have been a male voice you would have heard on the radio. But nowadays it’s very much 50/50 if not more.“
She enthuses about her workplace Today FM’s line-up, although she admits she’s not a fan of saying “female talent “.
“That means we’re separate from the men,“ she explains, before adding, “but I think there are amazing female broadcasters in Today FM. And we all bring something very different to the format. It’s something I’m very proud of.“
One of those incredible talents was Mairead Ronan who stepped down from her show in 2021, ushering Pamela into the seat. The pair are as thick as thieves, with Mairead acting as a mentor for Pamela over the years.
“You assume when one person is gone the last person looks at them like, ‘You took my job’ and they’re arch-nemesis,“ she says with a laugh.
“Mairead has been my champion since day one. Even when I was just starting out on Today FM, she would always get me on the show to do this, that and the other.
“That continued on when I got the lunchtime show. She really got me going. We’re always in contact. She’s like a big sister to me.“
So would Pamela like to be that person for a young presenter?
“I have the most gorgeous work hours known to man, so I will work lunchtime until I get kicked off the show. Then I will very happily pass on the baton,“ she jokes.
“It is very important, especially for younger female broadcasters, that they have someone that they can look up to. As well as a confidant and a monitor. I would love to be that to someone.“
The Big Busk for Focus Ireland aims to raise €250,000 for Focus Ireland, which supports families affected by homelessness. You can show your support for The Big Busk by registering to take part, or by donating to Focus Ireland.
