UTV applies for Dublin rock music radio licence

ULSTER Television has entered the fray for the latest radio licence to become available in Dublin.

UTV, which owns County Sound in Cork and Q102 in Dublin, said it has submitted an application for the alternative rock music licence, which will be awarded soon by the Broadcasting Commission.

The Belfast-based company said it had teamed up with Capital Radio, the owner of Xfm, which runs a number of rock music stations in Europe, and Absolute Radio International to bid for the licence. UTV said Xfm was a major advantage to its bid as it had already had success by creating a guitar-led music radio station showcasing the best new music. And Irish radio listener have had a chance to listen to the station’s format on digital and cable services.

UTV chief executive John McCann said given the company’s expertise within Irish media and its specific understanding of the Dublin radio market as an existing licence holder, the proposition to introduce the Xfm brand to Dublin is sure to be a winner with local listeners. “Backed up by the solid financial strength of two major broadcasting companies, UTV and Capital Radio, this application ensures sustainability for a new radio station in this very competitive market,” he said.

Absolute Radio International was founded by leading figures from the European radio industry. It works Dublin’s Q102, Cork’s 96/103FM and Limerick’s Live 95FM. It is also a shareholder in Liverpool’s 107.6 Juice FM.

The rock licence will add to a crowded Dublin market.