RTÉ to apply for a licence to begin digital radio broadcast

RTÉ is to seek a licence to begin broadcasting a digital radio service along the east coast, later this year.

The decision follows what the broadcaster describes as a successful six-month trial of DAB — Digital Audio Broadcasting — radio along the coast between Dublin and north Louth.

The trial included six stations — RTÉ Radio 1, 2FM, Radio na Gaelteachta, Lyric FM, Today FM and the WRN (World Radio Network) service for non-nationals. RTÉ is hoping to begin a full-time digital radio service for the east coast and then roll it out on a nationwide basis.

“There is an opportunity for the radio industry as a whole to bring the benefits of digital radio to listeners. RTÉ will be working to involve all stakeholders — policy makers, regulators, commercial broadcasters and retailers — in the development of the future of radio on this island,” said managing director of RTÉ Radio Adrian Moynes.

DAB is already on air in nearly 40 countries and available to almost 475 million people worldwide. The average person in Ireland listens to approximately four hours of radio per day, with 84% of the population regularly listening to the radio.