One of the most versatile and well respected figures in music broadcasting, Shaun Keaveny was one of the first voices to be heard on the BBC’s freshest new music station 6Music when it launched in March 2002. Beginning his career penning advertisements for radio, Shaun’s route into broadcasting may not have been the most conventional: he hadn’t risen through the ranks of youth orientated stations like Radio 1. Nor had he experimented with the somewhat unpredictable world of commercial radio or presented a variety of television programmes. Yet with a passion for music and a gentle, laid back presenting style, his effortless charm and wit more than made up for his somewhat untested reputation. Despite obviously television being the holy grail for any budding talent broadcaster, Keaveny has always understood the organic nature in which radio is created and shall forever be more comfortable alone in a tiny studio, talking into a fury microphone.
Listen to the interview on Spotify
Whilst at 6Music, Shaun found himself in extraordinary situations that he could never have predicted would have been possible coming face to face with the legendary David Gilmour at the home of the Pink Floyd guitarist. Being able to touch the guitar that was responsible for the debut arrangement of Dark Side Of The Moon was a surreal experience for the avid music fan. To think that he and fellow broadcaster Matt Everitt were allowed to share this unique experience as part of their job was an incredible accomplishment for the guy who had arguably fallen into the world of broadcasting and makes Keaveny’s story all the more remarkable.
Inheriting probably the most coveted slot on the station, in 2007 Shaun replaced Phil Jupitus for the 6Music breakfast show. As a result of his unconventional route into broadcasting, he remains extremely grounded and philosophical about his radio credentials. Therefore the 6Music breakfast show was something that he took in his stride and approached with the same laid back confidence that he applies to every role he upholds. This style is what has adhered him to legions of listeners for the past two decades and the ability to cultivate a playlist of varied music appealed to the broadcasting maverick in him.
Leaving the station in 2021, Shaun embraced the phenomenon of internet radio and created the entertainment platform Community Garden Radio which is available on Patreon together with the podcast Shaun Keavney’s Daily Grind. As a broadcaster, Shaun revels in the creative freedom not to have to adhere to the principles of a large conglomerate and the ability to have full control over the content which he creates. In the multi platform, creative media landscape of today, it’s possible for beloved broadcasters like Shaun to find an audience independently of an influential network and this can only be a good thing. For these reasons, Keaveny’s decision to move into the freelance world has paid off in fantastic fashion and he is continuing to relish his newfound creative freedom.
Having such a status allows him the opportunity to take charge of his entertainment destiny by actively controlling the commitments in which he upholds. For the past few years he has presided over Sky Arts’ coverage of the annual Isle of Wight Festival alongside the evergreen Edith Bowman. This helps to fulfil his passion for showcasing live music and offering a platform for new stars to shine. Again, his trademark laid back approach makes him the perfect individual to interview the plethora of acts who make up the festival lineup. This, combined with Edith Bowman’s music broadcasting pedigree makes for an interesting dynamic.
The career of Shaun Keaveny remains an interesting example to the rest of the broadcasting fraternity that with a sense of passion, willingness and commitment to your craft, anything is possible. It was a great pleasure to welcome him to Beyond The Title and with a formidable broadcasting career behind him, it’s exciting to discover what tribulations await him next!
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