Dublin alternative rock station TXFM to close

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has announced that they’ve received no applications for the Music-Driven (Alternative Rock) Sound Broadcasting Service for Dublin City & County, which is currently held by Dublin Rock Radio Ltd. broadcasting as TXFM.
As a result of not re-applying for their ten-year licence, TXFM will have to cease broadcasting by October 26 when their current contract runs out. It’s a huge body blow for both rock fans and the numerous artists who’ve been supported by the station.

pic.twitter.com/mOyUA3rXjn

— TXFM (@TXFMDublin) March 30, 2016

Two expressions of interest had been received before Christmas, but neither of those have turned into firm bids.
The BAI say that its Contract Awards Committee will consider the matter at its April meeting and then issue a further update.
TXFM formerly operated as Phantom 105.2 before re-branding and changing its format in 2014 in an attempt to broaden its audience.
Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened with TXFM registering an All Adults Aged 15+ Average Weekday Yesterday Listenership of just 2% in the latest JNLR figures, which were issued in February. That compares to Dublin rivals Classic Hits 4FM’s 3%, Sunshine 106.8’s 5%, Radio Nova’s 6%, Q102’s 7%, 98FM’s 10%, Spin 1038’s 14% and FM104’s 18%.
It remains to be seen whether any or all of the TXFM staff will be redeployed within the Communicorp Group, which is among the investors. The station shares its Marconi House, Dublin 2 premises with Newstalk and Today FM.