Manx Newscast
News interviews in FULL! Highlighting some of the most interesting, intriguing and engaging recent Isle of Man stories from Manx Radio News.
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Episodes
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Castletown Commissioners to decrease rates for next financial year
Tuesday, 20 January 2026
Castletown Commissioners has chosen to decrease its local authority rate for the next financial year. It will be set at 395 pence in the pound which the local authority says will provide 'much needed' support to residents without 'any detriment' to its operations.The refuse rate will also be reduced to £220 per household which it believes will still allow for investment into the towns public services. Vice Chair John Cringle says the local authority had to start the budget 'from scratch' as previous years' accounts were unavailable. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to ...
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'CoMin is not a happy place', says former DOI minister
Tuesday, 20 January 2026
The former infrastructure minister has accused the chief minister of shaping policy in response to social media pressure. It comes a day after Alfred Cannan reshuffled his Cabinet, removing Alex Allinson as Treasury Minister and Dr Michelle Haywood from her role as Infrastructure Minister.For the first time since her sacking, Dr Michelle Haywood has spoken out exclusively to Manx Radio.
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MHK says Chief Minister has 'a lot' of questions to answer to
Tuesday, 20 January 2026
Yesterday, Alfred Cannan conducted a reshuffle of his council of ministers, which resulted in two ministers stepping down. Tim Glover criticised the language used as concerning saying they did not step down but were fired.
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Former chief minister says government should be 'service first cost second'
Tuesday, 20 January 2026
A former Chief Minister says government should be putting 'services first' and costs second.Tony Brown, who's now Chair of Castletown Commissioners, believes the two new ministers, Treasury and Infrastructure, will have to 'work quickly' to make new changes - including to next month's budget.The new infrastructure minister said he will be 'resetting' the departments relationship with local authorities which Mr Brown says had become 'strained'.He adds that residents have 'suffered enough' with increased costs of living and hopes the changes will benefit the Island. Local Democracy Reporter E...
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Chief Minister on latest cabinet reshuffle
Monday, 19 January 2026
The chief minister says today's cabinet reshuffle (19 January) came as a result of trying to regain public confidence.Alfred Cannan says ongoing issues like the 20mph rollout, the Local Government (Amendment) Bill and controversial minimum wage changes evidence 'ongoing clashes' between government and society.He sat down with our Political Correspondent Phil Gawne this afternoon.
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Parent group shares concerns over reports of 'AI misuse'
Monday, 19 January 2026
Following the warning from police earlier this month that some young people on the Isle of Man were 'misusing AI', parents of the Delay Smartphone IOM group give their reaction.Listen to Lewis Foster's interview with John Bolton, Jessica Cross and Meghan Kennish.
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New support centre 'an oasis' for cancer patients
Saturday, 17 January 2026
Derek Peters of Mannin Cancers speaks to Beth Espey about a new support centre on the site of Noble's Hospital.
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£1 million National AI Office launched to coordinate artificial intelligence policy and adoption
Friday, 16 January 2026
The Isle of Man Government has launched the National AI Office, backed by £1 million in public funding, to coordinate how artificial intelligence is developed and used across the Island.The office is intended to act as a central point for AI policy, advice and practical support.The government says it will focus on boosting economic competitiveness, improving public service efficiency and raising AI literacy, without expanding the civil service.Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston and Digital Isle of Man Chief Executive Lyle Wraxall sat down with Manx Radio's Christian Jones.
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AI Deepfakes: "It's here and it is harming people"
Wednesday, 14 January 2026
There's a warning that genuine harm is being caused to some young people on the Island due to the misuse of AI.Recently, Manx police reported a 'sharp increase' in students, in and out of school, creating images through Artificial Intelligence with the aim of bullying and ridiculing their peers.The images, in some cases, has been dubbed 'rude and offensive' and others described as prohibited or indecent - which police say could amount to a criminal offence.PC Louise Kennaugh is working with schools to try and get the message across that it's not acceptable, and there could be consequences.
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Treasury Minister on increase in reports of financial irregularities
Tuesday, 13 January 2026
The Treasury Minister says it would be 'unreasonable' to say there are 'no bad apples' in government.It follows an increase in financial irregularities reported to the Audit Advisory Division by Government Departments, Boards, offices and arm’s length bodies since April 2021.Amongst them, there were three reports of corruption/ bribery during the 2024-25 financial year. In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster sits down with Minister Alex Allinson to find out why these reports are increasing - and what's being done about it.
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Douglas City Library says free coffee mornings 'hugely important' service
Monday, 12 January 2026
Douglas City Library says free coffee mornings are 'hugely important' for residents on the Island.The library has started it's 'Winter Warmer' scheme to encourage people to be social and to combat loneliness during what can be a difficult time of the year.It's running every Friday from 9am to 12 noon, and those visiting will receive a free hot drink and biscuit - as well as access to the library's books, games and IT suite.Jan McCartney, the city librarian, says she'd love to see more people visiting the library and using its free services.Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speak...
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Women Riders World Relay
Monday, 12 January 2026
A global challenge which connects women who ride or love motorbikes is coming to the Isle of Man this month.The Women Riders World Relay has already united more than 20,000 riders from 102 countries worldwide.It started back in 2019 and was founded by Hayley Bell.The Isle of Man ambassador is Lisa Brain, and she's been talking to Beth Espey.
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KWC to offer A Level option for sixth form students
Friday, 9 January 2026
The Island's only independent school has announced it will begin offering A-Levels from September.King William's College will offer the courses in a 'blended' approach, alongside the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.In a partnership with King's InterHigh online school, all the lessons will be taught virtually from a newly created hub on the campus.Principal Damian Henderson has telling Amy Griffiths more:
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Vague efficiency claims blamed for collapsing civil service morale
Friday, 9 January 2026
Prospect says broad statements about government efficiencies and public sector headcount are fuelling uncertainty across the workforce.Around a year and a half ago, the chief minister announced a series of measures aimed at reducing staff numbers and controlling headcount across the civil service.However, over the past two quarters, full-time equivalent numbers have actually risen, despite more than 130 roles being placed under review.Manx Radio's Christian Jones has been speaking to Prospect's Local Negotiations Officer Mick Hewer, and the National Secretary Jez Stuart.
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'Everybody sometimes needs a hand up' says MLC pushing for prioritisation of homelessness legislation
Thursday, 8 January 2026
Over two years since Tynwald passed the Isle of Man Homelessness Strategy, an MLC is calling for the legislation to be prioritised going forward.Kirstie Morphet told Siobhán Fletcher she wants it to be developed and introduced into the branches by June next year.
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The café helping new arrivals to the Isle of Man
Thursday, 8 January 2026
Among the topics expected to become key election issues this year, immigration has been highlighted.On the Island there are hopes to see the population grow to 100,000 by 2037, while parties supporting tougher immigration measures have made ground in neighbouring jurisdictions.Sylvie Géal-Wilkes works at Café Lingo in Douglas - a group which supports people who've made the move to the Isle of Man from all over the world.In this edition of Newscast, Sylvie speaks to Lewis Foster about the work the organisation does, where the service users come from, and her thoughts on attitudes towards imm...
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Ultra-marathon runner sets sights on world record attempt
Tuesday, 6 January 2026
After completing 30 marathons and three ultra-marathons consecutively, a resident in Kirk Michael now has his sights set on a world record attempt.Albert Johnson took on 31 marathons in 31 days throughout December in aid of charity Autism Initiatives and in memory of his friend Graham Brew.He's also since found out that he stands a good chance of claiming the world record for the Speaking to Manx Radio, Albert explains how he plans to take on his next challenge.
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Infrastructure Minister and Interim Airport Director on disruption caused by snow and ice
Monday, 5 January 2026
Snow and ice has caused widespread disruption on the Island today with students kept off school and Ronaldsway airport closed. Beth Espey has been speaking to Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood and Interim Airport Director Geoff Pugh about efforts to get the Island running again.
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Laxey man to take on Kilimanjaro for charity
Sunday, 4 January 2026
A man from Laxey is set to take on Mount Kilimanjaro for charity later this year (August 2026). Adam Horsey, a student at Lancaster University will be undertaking the challenge in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust.
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New Year Honour recipient "humbled" to be granted BEM
Wednesday, 31 December 2025
A gentleman in Port Erin who's received a British Empire Medal as part of the 2026 New Year Honours says he is 'humbled' by the recognition.Former Co-op manager Gerald Callister has dedicated decades of his life to serving the local community, the Church, and the Isle of Man as a whole. Government House says the award of the BEM recognises Mr Callister’s sustained, selfless, and heartfelt commitment to the people of Port Erin and the wider Island community.In this edition of Newscast, Gerald told Manx Radio what it means to him.
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The News Review of 2025
Tuesday, 30 December 2025
Siobhán Fletcher looks back at the stories that hit the headlines over the last 12 months.
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Head of Ambulance Service 'really privileged' to receive New Year Honour
Tuesday, 30 December 2025
The Head of the Island's Ambulance Service says he feels 'really honoured and privileged' after receiving the King’s Ambulance Medal as part of the 2026 New Year Honours.Will Bellamy has been granted the award in recognition of more than 20 years with the Ambulance Service.In this edition of Newscast, Mr Bellamy tells Siobhán Fletcher what the award means to him.
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Chief Fire Officer 'overwhelmed' after receiving New Year Honour
Tuesday, 30 December 2025
The Island's Chief Fire Officer says he's 'overwhelmed' after receiving the King’s Fire Service Medal as part of the King's New Year Honours.Mark Christian has been granted the award in recognition of over 30 years of distinguished service with the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service.In this edition of Newscast, Mr Christian tells Lewis Foster what the award means to him.
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Reflecting on 2025 and looking ahead to 2026 with financial advisors
Tuesday, 23 December 2025
As we come to the end of 2025, we've been speaking to two financial advisors about the key developments of this year and what 2026 might have in store.Paul Chase is from Financial Options and Paul Wheeler is from Chase Financial Services.They've been speaking to Amy Griffiths about what impact changes to UK taxes could have on the Manx property market, inflation and the availability of financial products like credit cards and insurance:
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How to spot the signs of domestic and elder abuse this Christmas
Saturday, 20 December 2025
We're being urged to stay alert to signs of domestic abuse and elder abuse during the festive season.The Department of Home Affairs and Victim Support Isle of Man say friends, family and communities can play a crucial role in reducing isolation and supporting vulnerable individuals over the Christmas period.The pressures of the season - be it through financial stress, increased alcohol consumption or family tensions - can increase the risk of harm in abusive situations.In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Lorna Trevethan, CEO of Victim Support, explains what to look out for.
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Treasury minister responds to figures highlighting contracting economy
Friday, 19 December 2025
The treasury minister has responded to newly published national income figures showing the Isle of Man’s economy has contracted in real terms for a second consecutive year, warning against relying on GDP alone as a measure of economic health.The comments from Alex Allinson come after the latest National Income Report showed inflation-adjusted Gross Domestic Product had fallen for two successive years, highlighting a prolonged economic slump.In October, Dr Allinson had said there was “no evidence” the Island was in recession.The new figures were released in the same week that Chief Minister ...
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Net zero referendum: Rejection "a hit-job by the establishment"
Friday, 19 December 2025
A former MHK has described Tynwald's decision to reject a referendum on net zero as a "hit-job by the establishment".Paul Quine was the first political member to suggest asking the Manx public directly about the Island's climate direction.Earlier this month, Tynwald voted against holding a referendum alongside the general election.Mr Quine sat down with Manx Radio's Christian Jones.
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Man taking on 31-day marathon challenge 'grateful' as half-way point passed
Thursday, 18 December 2025
A man from Kirk Michael attempting 31 marathons in 31 days says he's 'grateful' to have passed the halfway mark.Albert Johnson has now completed 17 marathons as part of his daily challenge throughout December.He's taking it on in memory of his friend of Graham Brew and in aid of the charity Autism Initiatives which provides help, support and care to Isle of Man residents..So far he's raised more than £2,600.You can find a link to his JustGiving page HERE.Speaking to Manx Radio's Lewis Foster, Albert says he's faced some challenges along the way (weather, chafing etc), but has still managed ...
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Public Health reports increase in flu-like illnesses
Tuesday, 16 December 2025
Public Health Isle of Man says flu-like illnesses are increasing in the community.The body's latest weekly surveillance report has highlighted a rise in cases, based on GP consultations.In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks to Dr Ross Keat, a consultant with Public Health Isle of Man.
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Disability awareness: "There is always room for improvement"
Monday, 15 December 2025
It's hoped a new online Disability Awareness Training package, put together for a Manx charity, will lead other organisations to expand their knowledge on the subject.Thought to be a first for the Island, the course has been put together for Sailing for the Disabled by the training service Disability Awareness alongside Governance People Limited, which provided its services free of charge.Manx Radio has been speaking with Sailing for the Disabled CEO Carole Quayle, Andy Hodkin from Disability Awareness and Governance People Limited's Leslie Foster and Robert Duncan.