Newstalk applies for national licence

NEWSTALK 106, the loss-making Dublin radio station owned by Denis O’Brien, is the only applicant for the quasi-national speech broadcasting licence.

The deadline for applications to the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) passed last night. It is understood Newstalk is the only party interested.

The station has been a critical success but has failed to capture a large audience share. The quasi-national licence would allow Newstalk to broadcast to all major population areas.