Cool FM debuts all female line-up to celebrate International Women’s Day

Northern Ireland’s number one commercial radio station Cool FM has announced it will debut an all-female line-up this Tuesday (8 March) to celebrate International Women’s Day.

For the first time in the station’s history, Cool FM will see a takeover of female presenters for a full day.

The line-up includes Cool FM regulars; Rebecca McKinney, Katharine Walker, Melissa Riddell, Ciara Ewing, Evanna Maxted and Hannah Kirkpatrick. As well as the addition of new presenter Tameron Drake who will make her Cool FM debut at 10pm on the station’s popular ‘Cool Goes Quiet’ slot.

Cool FM’s current weekend line-up contains over 50% female representation with the previous appointment of Katharine Walker to the prime Saturday show slot.

Rebecca McKinney who will be presenting the Cool Breakfast show explains “I’m delighted to be kicking off International Women’s Day celebrations on Cool FM, with my co-host for the day, Evanna Maxted – one of the station’s newest voices. The media industry has been predominately male dominated for such a long time, so this is a powerful statement of intent from the brand, to give female voices a spotlight. We hope it will be a positive, empowering listen – with lots of powerhouse women on the playlist!”

“I want our female audience to listen to Cool FM and feel they are reflected in the voices they hear. International Women’s Day is about standing equally with men and I have a huge amount of respect for my male colleagues; particularly Pete and Paulo who have helped me find my voice. I know they will be cheering us on tomorrow!”

Evanna, who joins Rebecca notes; “It will be amazing to spread the female energy across the airwaves for the whole day! I am so honoured to be doing the Cool breakfast with Rebecca (who has been a role model of mine for so many years). A real dream come true in my radio career.”

Melissa Riddell, who will be heading up drive time added; “Northern Ireland is filled with so many talented females, (and males of course! ) but it’s cool to see an all-girl line up to celebrate International Women’s Day.”