Lunchtime Live is just the same as being in my family’s pub ...bar the lack of pints
to say. That would have started in the pub really.”
That training in the art of getting people to talk has paid off, with recent JNLR figures showing a boost of 6,000 to 113,000 listeners.
Andrea is now one of only two broadcasters in the country to host a lunchtime call-in show that gets the nation talking. The other is RTE Radio One legend Joe Duffy.
She said: “I do listen to Joe, of course. I’m just coming off air myself at that time but I usually get the last 15 mins of it. Always listen to the opposition, just to hear what they’re doing. It’s a great show and it’s going for decades, it’s an institution.”
What does she make of rumours Duffy is leaving after his contract ends in 2025? Her name was mentioned as someone who could easily step into his shoes.
She said: “It’s a compliment, because I’m only doing this job for three-and-a-half years and Liveline is on for decades.
“I would say Joe Duffy is laughing at the prospect of any discussion like this. I don’t think about that. My focus is to make Lunchtime Live the best it can be and a must-listen programme and that takes all of my attention.”
Being on such a high-profile radio show in the digital age has its pros and cons.
Andrea said: “Since smartphones have become a part of our lives, people are much more willing to talk on air. That’s changed, even 12 years ago it wasn’t like that.
But everyone’s a broadcaster now. The downside is too much access and being on the receiving end of that. It can be nasty and hateful, a lot of negative commentary.
“I never have an issue with critique about my presenting style or manner but a lot of it is personal, about appearance, how you look and how you dress, about height or weight or how I wear my hair. It’s very insulting and hard to ignore.”
She gets most satisfaction out of knowing the show can, and often does, make a difference in people’s lives.
Andrea said: “I see myself as the gatekeeper of the show. Listeners dictate what we’re talking about. They want to share a story. My job is to facilitate the conversation around it.”
Healthcare issues are one of the most common problems of those who call in.
But Andrea avoids “shock jock” tactics to be more of a listening ear, giving a platform to national debate.
She added: “What I’ve learned is whether I agree or not is irrelevant.
“People want to be listened to, it’s not about my opinion. They want time to give their opinions and their view.
“Healthy and lively debate is also part of it, but listening is a major part.”
Andrea Gilligan hosts Lunchtime Live on Newstalk, Monday to Friday, 12 midday to 2pm.