NewsTalk aims to take on RTÉ

NEWSTALK, the Dublin-based radio station owned by Denis O’Brien, could be available nationally by early October if the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland awards it a new licence.

NewsTalk, which holds a speech licence for the Dublin area, was the only application for a ‘quasi-national’ licence that would allow it to take on RTÉ and Today FM.

Speaking at an oral hearing in Dublin yesterday organised by the BCI, Mr O’Brien said radio listeners across the country could expect a national launch in October if the BCI awarded it the licence at its May board meeting.