RTE Radio has threatened Radio Nova with an injunction if it proceeds with its plans to broadcast John Clarke's Ireland's Biggest Jukebox radio show, according to a statement issued by Nova CEO, Kevin Branagan. A once-off edition of the show was to be broadcast by the Dublin rock station this Sunday from 10am - 2pm.
Papers were served on Nova by the State broadcaster late on Friday night. The Dublin-based station had been promoting Clarke's show for more than a week.
Nova's CEO Kevin Branigan said: "We've received a threat from RTE Radio, threatening to take an injunction against us to prevent us broadcasting Ireland's Biggest Jukebox tomorrow morning. We're devastated. So many people have contacted us expressing delight at hearing John Clarke on FM radio once again. Now the state broadcaster has moved to prevent us from broadcasting the show. This is a show that 2FM axed last year amidst a public outcry - now they want to prevent it being broadcast on another radio station. It's petty and vindictive".
It is now expected that Nova will not broadcast the show.
"We're going to continue to do all we can to bring John Clarke to Radio Nova, in spite of this setback. We apologise to our listeners and hope they understand our situation", said Branigan.
Nova intends to broadcast a statement on the matter on Sunday morning at 10am.