Manx Newscast
News interviews in FULL! Highlighting some of the most interesting, intriguing and engaging recent Isle of Man stories from Manx Radio News.
Subscribe to this podcast
Episodes
-
Bonfire Night: The impact on livestock
Tuesday, 28 October 2025
Behind the sparkle of fireworks, some in the countryside face a very different experience.Owner of Ballakeenan Farm in Jurby, Thomase Cleator shares how last year’s celebrations caused distress among his flock - and why he's asking for a more considerate approach this year.
-
ManxSPCA offer up a treat with no tricks for pets this Hop-tu-Naa
Tuesday, 28 October 2025
Hop-tu-Naa is coming up this week, and whilst we may be perfecting our costumes and getting ready for trick-or-treaters at the door - sometimes, the night proves to be no treat for our pets.With doorbells ringing, and kids knocking, sometimes, you just need to get out for a walk, a treat and a brew!Well this year, the ManxSPCA has you covered - with a special event at Archallagan Plantation.Siobhán Fletcher has been finding out more from Krysia Boruch.
-
Chamber of Commerce brands minimum wage decision 'devastating'
Monday, 27 October 2025
The Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce says a planned rise in minimum wage will be 'devastating' for local businesses.Approved by Tynwald last week, the changes will see the hourly rate rise from £12.25 to £13.46 from April next year. The chamber is now warning the shift will mean businesses will have to face 'really harsh choices' in the coming months.Chief Executive Rebecca George says the impact will be felt beyond the Island's hospitality and retail sectors.
-
Businesses have until April before the minimum wage increase
Friday, 24 October 2025
The treasury minister says a decision to increase minimum wage is about supporting the local economy, employers and workers. Yesterday, Tynwald approved the changes, which will see the hourly rate rise from £12.25 to £13.46 from April next year.
-
Newly rebranded Sure by Beyon announces plans to roll out 5G
Friday, 24 October 2025
It's hoped that the Isle of Man will start getting 5G network coverage from next year. Telecommunications firm, Sure by Beyon made the announcement at a rebranding event in Douglas yesterday (23 October).
-
Isle of Man added to radon risk map
Wednesday, 22 October 2025
The Isle of Man has become the first crown dependency to be added to the radon risk map.It shows what the chances are of having a high radon reading in a property in each 5km square of the Island.Tracy Gooding is the Principal Radiation Protection Scientist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).She's been telling Amy Griffiths more:
-
MHK seeks to delay North and West Area Plan vote
Tuesday, 21 October 2025
An MHK says the public needs more time to fully understand the impact the North and West Area Plan could have on the Manx countryside.Douglas Central member Chris Thomas has told Manx Radio he'll be looking to delay the debate on the document until next month.If approved, the plan would set out how to manage and guide development based on social, environmental and economic needs.But Mr Thomas believes the plan would enable developers to favour building on greenfield land over disused brownfield sites, as he explained to Manx Radio's Sian Cowper:
-
Infrastructure Minister gives update on plans to create accessible bus routes
Thursday, 16 October 2025
The infrastructure minister says her department is working to create three new mobility-scooter friendly bus routes by the end of the year.It follows work to install Kassel Kerbs, which allow step-free access onto buses, at 30 stops around the Island.Currently, users of class 2 mobility scooters can apply for the right to use one service - troute 21 - which operates from the city centre to the outskirts of the capital.On Mannin Line last month, Ramsey resident Eric Corkish, who has been campaigning to be able to take his scooter onto the Island's public transport network for the past six ye...
-
'Hope on the horizon' for MND
Wednesday, 15 October 2025
The chief scientist of the Motor Neuron Disease Association says there is 'hope on the horizon' for finding ways to treat the condition.Dr Brian Dickie has been giving a talk on the Island, and has been telling Amy Griffiths more:
-
Clerk of Braddan Commissioners retiring after 18 years in position
Tuesday, 14 October 2025
The outgoing clerk at Braddan Commissioners says he believes local authority reform will only happen if Tynwald orders it. Colin Whiteway started at Braddan in 2007 as the successor to Buster Lewin and in that time has seen the board through litigation, the development of The Roundhouse and new social housing developments. He believes reform hasn't been brought forward by local authorities because they are 'resistant' to it and haven't thought about the benefits to residents and ratepayers.Mr Whiteway added that he hopes to leave the next clerk the 'opportunity' to expand and enjoy the posi...
-
Rates consultation extended
Monday, 13 October 2025
Treasury has extended a consultation looking at changes to the Island's Rating and Consultation Valuation Act 1953 until the end of the month. It was meant to close this week but has been extended by two weeks after impact assessments in the document were updated - something some local authorities asked for. Minister Alex Allinson has been speaking live on Manx Radio Breakfast.
-
Net zero referendum would 'garner interest in political process'
Monday, 13 October 2025
A former MHK who has called for a referendum on net zero believes the proposal could help rekindle public interest in Manx politics.Paul Quine’s suggestion is set to be brought before Tynwald in December by Middle member Stu Peters.
-
Mandatory neurodiversity training for educators is 'no-brainer'
Monday, 13 October 2025
A Douglas East MHK is calling for mandatory neurodiversity and inclusive practice training in education across the Isle of Man.At this month's Tynwald sitting, Joney Faragher will table a motion calling for such training to be 'embedded into core provision'.It's based on a petition for redress presented at this year's Tynwald Day ceremony - which was signed by 28 parents.Ms Faragher told Siobhán Fletcher more
-
IoD Isle of Man: Defining the next decade
Saturday, 11 October 2025
With a General Election looming, a MONEYVAL visit ahead, and mounting pressures on the economy and housing, the Isle of Man faces a defining year.In this episode, Christian Jones and Alistair Ramsay unpacks the key themes from the recent IoD Isle of Man event - from economic confidence to long-term vision - and ask what kind of Island we want to be beyond 2026.
-
"Unmasking the circus": Lawrie Hooper on government conference revelations
Friday, 10 October 2025
Lawrie Hooper shares his thoughts on the recent government conference and the major announcements that came out of it - including plans for a National Office for AI Development and Regulation, expanded apprenticeship and housing support schemes, and a refreshed economic strategy.With Manx Radio's Christian Jones, he explores what these announcements could mean in practice, and looks beyond the headlines to uncover what might really be driving these initiatives.
-
Douglas Council says its 'imperative' houses are turned around quickly for new tenants
Thursday, 9 October 2025
The chair of Douglas Council's Housing Committee says it's 'imperative' that properties are turned around as soon as possible to allow those on the list to move in.At its public meeting, the local authority confirmed it had reallocated 41 properties last month and had received 17 back from tenants - which it said is 'significantly' high. The council also says it has changed its operations from giving a house to a new tenant as is, to now investing in a maintenance program so homes won't need refurbishing for five to 10 years. Councillor Peter Washington says the committee looks at the trend...
-
Residents 'fairly suspicious' of council move to cut 39 trees in Ballanard Road park
Monday, 6 October 2025
A group of residents say they are 'fairly suspicious' of a move by Douglas Council to cut down a number of registered trees in a local playing field. The 'Keep Willaston Field Green' community page believes the notice to fell 39 is 'incredibly coincidental' to the timing of a proposed building compound in the Ballanard Road park.Douglas Council has told Manx Radio that no trees are being removed to accommodate the compound it was agreed following a consultation with DEFA and the location of the compound has been chosen to 'minimise disruption' to residents.The local authority is looking to ...
-
Lord Finkelstein: Is party politics a blessing or curse?
Monday, 6 October 2025
Is party politics a blessing or a curse?With the Isle of Man’s general election on the horizon and new political parties emerging, some are asking whether a party system could help - or hinder - government on the Island.Lord Daniel Finkelstein, a long-time political adviser, Times columnist, member of the House of Lords and director of Chelsea Football Club, recently visited the Island and toured Tynwald.Christian Jones sat down with him to talk politics, parties, newspapers, and the Manx way of doing things.
-
Update Friday 3 October 2025
Friday, 3 October 2025
The boss of Manx Care has ruled out resigning following political calls for the board to step down.A record number of cruise passengers visited the Island this season.Isle of Man pro boxer Sam Rennie is set to return to the ring tomorrow, hoping to extend his perfect record thus far.
-
Douglas City Council leader discusses government conference housing pledges
Friday, 3 October 2025
The leader of Douglas City Council has welcomed government plans to reform rates exemptions on dilapidated and ruinous properties.At the 2025 Isle of Man Government Conference, Treasury reaffirmed its commitment to bringing forward new legislation that would require landlords of such properties to pay rates in full, as incentive to bring them back onto the market.Manx Radio's Christian Jones sat down with Leader of Douglas City Council Devon Watson to discuss his reaction to the proposals set out.
-
Manx Care CEO Teresa Cope responds to criticism over 2024-25 Annual Report
Friday, 3 October 2025
In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Manx Care CEO Teresa Cope speaks to Lewis Foster about the reaction to the health body's latest annual report.
-
'A couple of minutes that can save your life': Breast cancer charity warning after publication of new figures
Thursday, 2 October 2025
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and breast cancer charities are warning that an increasing number of women aren't regularly checking themselves for signs of cancer.New research suggests that 45-percent of women don't examine themselves for signs and symptoms of the disease. That's up 4-percent from 2022.Meanwhile, a study out of Sweden found that women who miss their first breast cancer screening appointment have a 40-percent higher risk of dying from the disease in their lifetime.So, what's the message to women here on the Island? Siobhán Fletcher spoke to Chair of the Manx Breas...
-
New political party 'Isle of Man First' publishes manifesto
Thursday, 2 October 2025
A newly launched political party, Isle of Man First, has set out a wide-ranging manifesto ahead of the next general election.The party, which describes itself as focused on "putting Manx residents first", has pledged reforms across health, education, housing, tax, and government efficiency.Among its key proposals are raising the personal income tax allowance to £20,000 within its first 100 days, with an ambition of increasing that figure to £50,000.Party Founder Mitch Sorbie sat down with Manx Radio's Christian Jones.
-
'Upgrade' needed to resolve Liverpool Ferry Terminal berthing problem
Thursday, 2 October 2025
The Isle of Man Ferry Terminal in Liverpool is to be upgraded in the coming weeks to rectify a problem identified during berthing trials last year.In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks to Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood.
-
The Wage Debate: Liberal Vannin puts pressure on government to align minimum and living wages
Wednesday, 1 October 2025
As government plans to increase the Island's minimum wage, one political party argues it's not going far enough.Liberal Vannin Chair, Paul Weatherall, told Amy Griffiths it should be in line with the living wage:
-
The Wage Debate: Chamber of Commerce calls for action
Wednesday, 1 October 2025
The Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce says a sharp rise in the minimum wage could put small firms under "unbearable" strain.A 9.9 percent increase is set to be presented to Tynwald despite inflation being at just 3.3 percent.A Chamber survey found nearly half of businesses fear a significant impact.Chief Executive Rebecca George told Manx Radio's Christian Jones this could mean higher prices, fewer jobs, and stalled growth.
-
Treasury has no plans to increase retirement age on the Isle of Man
Monday, 29 September 2025
Alex Allinson has confirmed there are no plans to increase the retirement age on the Isle of Man. It's after an economist suggested the age be raised to 72 or 73. Dr Allinson spoke to Sian Cowper.
-
Should there be a referendum on net zero?
Friday, 26 September 2025
Middle MHK Stu Peters will bring a motion to Tynwald later this year, calling for the public to have their say about the future of the Isle of Man Government's net zero policies.He's been talking to Beth Espey to explain more.
-
Event to highlight benefits and opportunities of employing ex-military
Friday, 26 September 2025
Local businesses are being invited to attend a special event at the Comis Hotel next week.On Monday (29 September) an 'Ex-Military Talent in the Workplace Business Leader Forum' will be held from 8:30am to 11am.Defence Relationship Manager Jan Cox told Siobhán Fletcher more.
-
Is the Isle of Man a 'hotbed for organised crime'?
Thursday, 25 September 2025
After a UK national newspaper labelled the Isle of Man a 'hotbed for organised crime', Lewis Foster speaks to Detective Inspector Jamie Tomlinson from the Isle of Man Constabulary's Serious and Organised Crime Unit.