The golden age of radio?

Dublin's newest commercial radio station, Spin 103.8, officially opened today at 10.38am with the 'Blue Monday' mix of Kylie's 'Can't Get You Out Of My Head'.

It quickly became apparent that the station has deviated from the "all dance" format that secured them the franchise.

Acknowledging the shift, Programme Director Liam Thompson explains: "Since Spin won the franchise in October 1999, the market and the music have moved on. Dance has veered towards the mainstream, leaving the new wave of rock acts to become 'the alternative'. It became apparent to me, and everyone else involved with the station, that what was important was the mix of music.

"There are two main styles – dance, which is still big and still something that nobody else really does in detail, and then 'urban' which is the euphemism for R'n'B, hip hop and UK garage. In addition to that, there'll be a flavouring of new – i.e. not beaten to death – pop and rock, both indie and shouty. I see no reason why you can't play Princess Superstar followed by The Strokes and Sum 41.

"In other words, never mind the category, is the song any good?"

Thompson, who was previously the 2FM Head of Music, is confident of attracting what he calls "a music aware, music sensitive" audience.

"They're 15 to 30-year-olds who buy music magazines, who watch MTV and who search the internet for songs that they then download.

"Dublin is a cosmopolitan city with a thriving club culture – we don't need to play it safe. We can afford to take risks."

Thompson acknowledges the role that the likes of Phantom FM have had in moving things on.

"I have absolutely no philosophical argument with the pirates, especially the ones like Phantom who are well organised and have a clear mission in life. There's no way, as a commercial set-up, that we can be as out-and-out alternative as them. We'll touch on areas that they touch on, while doing things that are way beyond their brief. It's all about creating an alternative to existing stations."

Where do Irish artists fit into all of this?

"It's something we're going to pay really close attention to. On the dance side, we've got people like Johnny Moy and Barry from the Redsettaz who are determined to help new Irish acts climb up the ladder.

"My approach to Irish music has always been, 'If it's a good song, we'll put it on.' We'll listen to everything that comes in and judge it on its merits."

Unsigned talent gets a look in at 6.45 on Sunday night when former Raidio Na Life jock Eva Staic takes to the air with The Irish Alternative.

"What I'd like to say to all bedroom DJs and garage bands out there is that we want to hear their stuff. "

You can send tapes and finished product to Spin 103.8 at 73 North Wall Quay, Dublin 1.

Meanwhile, we'll be meeting the station's DJs and taking a closer look at the station's inner workings in a future issue of Hot Press.