It’s challenging to achieve pure objectivity when commenting on the Irish media landscape. The industry’s small scale often leads to personal connections or knowledge about the subjects in question. In my case, I have a personal tie, as my significant other was the senior producer for the now discontinued 2 Johnnies’ Drive It on 2FM. Nevertheless, I remain neutral when discussing this specific matter.
The media realm is prone to a homogenisation of culture, as its members predominantly stem from similar backgrounds. Generally, they pursue media education, gain expertise in local media outlets and eventually find their way to Dublin. Despite their diverse geographical origins, these individuals are usually middle-class.
Contrastingly, the 2 Johnnies journeyed into the broadcasting milieu without prior training or credentials – a divergence from the conventional pathway. They developed a local enterprise that swiftly attained national and international recognition. However, when they encountered issues soon after joining 2FM, some critics brushed them off as unknown and insignificant, as they weren’t on the cultural map of the influencers.
Such a viewpoint, however, lays bare the existing cultural chasm. The 2 Johnnies’ podcast consistently tops Ireland and UK charts, the same goes for their books and singles. They effortlessly sell out mass-scale venues like the 3Arena, and their tours are global. Highlighting their success is not a bragging attempt, but rather a testament to their relevance among a broad demographic segment in Ireland and beyond, where many resonate with the 2 Johnnies.
The association mentioned earlier led me to attend one of their concerts at the 3Arena. Beyond the celebration that both the fans and musicians basked in, the concert epitomised their existence, mirroring their life back to them; all happening at the heart of an unconcerned metropolis. It was barely about the actions or words of the 2 Johnnies that night; their importance lay in what they stood for.
Within media groups, I’ve recognised a shift in attitudes towards the 2 Johnnies, moving from unfamiliar to incomprehensible. This subtly indicates their achievement. Even though the majority of inhabitants in Ireland now reside in cities, the divide between city and town, or more accurately, urban and rural living, doesn’t cease to exist. The 2 Johnnies personify the town bloke archetype, who will probably live and die in that town where GAA events and the family hold key significance, a locale where everyone is acquainted with everyone else, and where lively entertainment can be found in its most complete and nuanced form.
Their 2FM programme painted an audio depiction of life in the town, featuring a Parish Quiz, calls from their mothers, and contributions from various common folks. Voice notes from several listeners were played during their last show, expressing how brilliant it was to hear culchies on the radio, further emphasising the rarity of their presence not only in media but in virtually all areas of our public life.
In the last couple of years, I have observed a bit of a shift in attitudes towards the 2 Johnnies within the media, moving from unfamiliarity to confusion. This indirectly acknowledges their success, while concurrently showing an unspoken realisation that there’s a large aspect of Irish life that is not understood by many.
Nowadays, Ireland is a country of many cultures, providing us with the chance to learn about different people and their ways of living. However, it’s worth noting that these ‘different’ people are not necessarily foreigners. Occasionally, they are the ones living just down the street.
Why are numerous celebrities, including Doireann Garrihy, the 2 Johnnies, and Jennifer Zamparelli, opting to depart from 2FM?