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10 Questions with RTÉ Broadcaster JJ Hartigan
Broadcaster JJ Hartigan works on RTÉ’s social media and recently announced that he will be the Lead Social for The Late Late Show.
10 Questions with RTÉ Broadcaster JJ Hartigan
JJ Hartigan is a very accomplished broadcaster and social media manager for RTÉ. He has worked with RTÉ for over 13 years. JJ has worked on a variety of projects over the years including working as a resident DJ and director of music for House Limerick. The Limerick-born man has recently announced that he will be the Lead Social for The Late Late Show.
What was your childhood like and where did you grow up?
I lived in Moyross until I was 11 or so and loved growing up there. My best memories are playing soccer with my local team, Distillery, and learning my trade as a goalkeeper by diving on the roads playing ball with the lads!!
Have you always wanted to work in the media?
I always wanted to work in music. Because of that, I had the chance to work with Will Leahy as a DJ in the Market Nightclub a few years ago. We got on well and he asked me to do a mix on his 2FM Drive Time show. The rest is history really! I owe so much to him. I wouldn’t be where I am now if it weren’t for him.
Can you tell us a little about being a broadcaster and working in social media?
I’ve worked in RTÉ for 13 years now, starting out in 2FM with Will. When I eventually moved to Dublin I started doing social media within 2FM for various shows that I worked on, from there I created my own role as Head of Social for 2FM. A role that had never existed before. I did this along with covering various shows on 2FM over the years. I LOVE being on air, it’s a buzz like no other and it’s very hard to explain. Getting to cover Jenny Greene’s Electric Disco was always a goal of mine and something that I love doing. I’ve also been ringing in the New Year on 2FM for the last 10 years now.
Is there anything that you do in your job that people may not expect?
Working in social media isn’t just “posting on Instagram”. You’re an unqualified and poorly paid graphic designer, photographer, videographer, scriptwriter, and director!
What was it like finding out that you’ll be the Lead Social for The Late Late Show?
It was a dream come true. When I started out working on social media in 2FM I was asked what my goal was by a colleague of mine, I said, “ to work on The Late Late Show” and now I’m there. I’m chuffed! The hard work starts now.
So it's all very real now!
My first video for @RTELateLateShow ?#latelate https://t.co/SMgQ1kk8UK
— JJ (@jayhartigan) January 5, 2022
What have been some challenges in getting to where you are now?
I left school when I was 17. I feel like I’ve been fighting the battle of not having a degree for my whole career. It made me work harder to prove myself but I feel it has held me back in some ways. Everything I know about graphic design, audio & video editing, photography, and videography is self-taught.
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
I wish I had gone to college.
Do you have any advice for those looking to work in social media?
Work harder than everyone else around you. Be willing to do stupid hours and don’t say no to any opportunities when you’re starting out. Up-skill as much as you can. YouTube tutorials are your best friend. Know your worth.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
I never look too far ahead, as life has taught me you never know what’s around the corner. I like to live my life in the moment.
And lastly, what do you love most about Limerick?
The people. We’re blessed with the soundest bunch in this wonderful city. I moved back to Limerick in 2020 and have loved every minute of it. I’m proud to call Limerick City my home.
To see more from The Late Late Show go HERE
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