Newstalk service for radio stations

Dublin: Newstalk has won the temporary contract to offer a news and sport service to a number of radio stations affected by the closure of Independent Network News.

Representatives of the 18 local stations who had been using the INN service were given presentations by three groups — UTV, Newstalk and a group headed by Richie McCullen from INN.

A vote was taken by the stations, which resulted in 17 deciding to accept the Newstalk service and one station the UTV service.

The stations will now enter into a six-month contract with their chosen service. During this period a tender process will re-open to any group interested in providing a long-term news and sports service to the 18 stations.

The stations are: Radio Kerry, Shannonside/ Northern Sound, Galway Bay FM, Dublin’s Country Mix, East Coast Radio, Mid West Radio, Tipp FM, Phantom, WLR FM, Highland Radio, South East Radio, Midlands 103, Clare FM, Ocean FM, KCLR, Beat, KFM and Red FM.