Bernadette Prendergast is one of Ireland’s longest-serving Heads of News in radio, having led the news service at Galway Bay FM since its inception in 1989. Day to day, she works as a journalist, producer, and presenter while overseeing the station’s local, national, and international news coverage, including a 30-minute evening news programme. She also produces and presents election and special event broadcasts. As a key member of Galway Bay FM’s management team, Bernadette plays a central role in programming, policy, and regulatory compliance.

Passionate about continuous training for broadcasters, Bernadette was a founding member of Eist, the Independent Broadcasters’ Association and a member of the original Women on Air. She lectured in radio and television broadcasting for the Masters in Journalism at the University of Galway from 2004 to 2018 where she currently serves on the Editorial Board for the School of Journalism. She is also a long serving member of the Network News Editorial Board.

Bernadette has been a board member of Learning Waves/Skillnet since 2007, serving as chairperson 2012 to 2014 and as an accredited trainer specialising in news presentation and interview techniques. In 2012, as part of a Learning Waves initiative, she collaborated with Gay Byrne on an online masterclass in interview technique. She sits on the sub-committee for the BAI/Coimisiún na Meán Journalism Graduate Scheme. She has co-written industry training manuals and contributed to the then Broadcasting Authority of Ireland’s policy development through consultation workshops.

Since 2008, Bernadette has been a judge for the annual IMRO/PPI Radio Awards, recognising excellence in radio production and programming. She has worked on Current Affairs and Arts programmes in addition to scripting and producing award-winning documentaries and dramas, including Boys From Brazil (2000) and Hairs and Races (2009). She devised the format for FYI Galway, the station’s evening news programme, which has earned multiple PPI/IMRO awards including the 2024 Gold award for Local/Regional News Programme.