Radio stations to increase in number

The most keenly contested franchise is likely to be the one for a “quasi-national speech-based service” for a 25+ audience, which is already being eyed up by Newstalk 106 as they look to expand beyond their current Dublin catchment area.
“We’ll be advertising the franchise in October, with interested parties having at least eight weeks to prepare their applications,” says a BCI spokesman.
Obviously impressed by the success of the Waterford-based Beat 103, the Commission are making further regional youth licenses available in the South West (Kerry, Limerick, Clare, North Tipperary and South-West Laois); North West (Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Longford, Roscommon & Galway); and the North East and Midlands (Louth, Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Kildare, North-East Laois, Offaly & Westmeath).
Applications for the respective services will be sought in February, May and September 2006.
The other franchises up for grabs are for a “quasi-national AM with low-power FM relays” Christian & Religious Service (Applications sought in July 2006); Country & Irish Music Services for the Mid-West and North-East; a Classic Rock Service for Dublin; and a multi-city Classic Gold/Easy Listening/Smooth Service.
Talking to Hot Press, a radio industry insider says: “The announcement of the new franchises is bad news for RTE and, in particular, 2FM who won’t relish having three more regional youth stations to compete with.
Having handed the breakfast show to Marty Whelan, it wouldn’t surprise me if they abandon the under-30s market altogether and go for the ‘gray’ audience.”