KAREN TOMKINS
My Story
My name is Karen Tomkins. Originally from Waterford, I am a broadcast journalist based in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. I have worked in radio for over 17 years, working with WLR, South East Radio, Newstalk, Today FM, RTÉ Junior Radio and RTÉ Radio One. I have interviewed thousands of people for a living and I love helping them to tell their story. My documentaries on fertility, gender-identity and the breakfast radio show I co-hosted were all shortlisted for IMRO/ PPI National Radio Awards. I won the 2020, 2021 & 2022 Gold IMRO Radio Awards for my audio story series for children on WLRfm. The same series, Big Breakfast Little Stories, was awarded a Finalist Diploma at the New York Festivals Radio Awards 2022. I was also a Finalist at the inaugural 2022 Irish Podcast Awards and the soccer series for children that I created and produce for RTÉ Junior Radio was shortlisted in the Best National Sports Programme category at IMRO Radio Awards 2022.
I hold a BA degree from NUI Galway and a Masters Degree in Journalism from DIT, Aungier Street Dublin.
I believe that everybody has a story to tell, not just politicians and high-profile public figures and that's why I set up The Treasure Vox. I use my experience and skills as a news journalist and documentary-maker to turn your life story into a personal audio documentary - just like something you'd expect to hear on the radio - but it's just for you - your very own legacy and a cherished family heirloom.
I am originally from Waterford (very important to mention this!) but I live in Enniscorthy with my husband, our three children and our dog. I know how important family is to people, but I also know it can take time for families to co-ordinate and arrange a Treasure Vox recording. I am available to help with that process and will always work around your family and your schedules.
KAREN TOMKINS
I am a broadcast journalist based in Co Wexford. I have worked in radio for over 15 years, as a presenter, news broadcaster, documentary maker, producer, writer and editor. In my spare time, I am married with three children and a dog.
When my late grandmother turned 80 in 2011, I didn't know what to buy her as a birthday gift. Instead, I decided to record her life story and turn it into a personal audio documentary.
I believe that everybody has a story worth telling. The Treasure Vox is a way of honouring and validating a person's life and helping them tell their story so far.
AWARDS
Nominated - Best Breakfast Show, WLRfm PPIs 2012
Nominated - A Fertile Plan, South East Radio - IMRO Radio Awards 2018
Nominated - The Birth of Laylah, South East Radio - IMRO Radio Awards 2019
Gold - Big Breakfast Little Stories, WLRfm - IMRO Radio Awards 2020
Gold - Big Breakfast Little Stories, WLRfm - IMRO Radio Awards 2021
Gold - Big Breakfast Little Stories, WLRfm - IMRO Radio Awards 2022
Nominated - Two Halves, RTE Junior Radio - IMRO Radio Awards 2022
Finalist - Big Breakfast Little Stories - New York Festivals Radio Awards 2022
Nominated - Irish Podcast Awards 2022 - Best Family Podcast - Two Halves on RTE Junior Radio
LIFE STORY RECORDINGS
Every family has a great storyteller - the gatekeeper to your family history - a link to your past and a voice for future generations.
Too often, people tell me they regret not recording their parents/grandparents telling their story when they were alive. With them, details of stories, memories and pieces of family history can be lost.
The Treasure Vox captures those memories and stories forever, spoken by the voices of those who know them best.
Editing the recorded material into an audio documentary style brings your life story to a professional level for you and your loved ones to enjoy listening to and treasure forever.
