Radio licences up for renewal

Opportunities to compete to operate a radio station are set to become available across the country next year as a number of the current batch of radio licences expires in 2014.

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is calling on anyone interested in securing a licence to run a radio station to submit an expression of interest as a number of the current licences are coming up for renewal.

There are 11 local radio licences currently held by broadcasters such as Cork’s 96 FM, Red FM, Spin 103.8 FM, Highland radio and Radio Kerry that will run out next year.

While it is expected that most of the incumbent radio stations will maintain their licences, incumbent broadcasters have lost out before to rival bids, as when North West Radio was displaced by Ocean Fm.

The BAI is looking for any party interested in competing for a radio licence to submit an expression of interest to the BAI before Monday, Mar 25.

In the Munster area the licences currently held by Beat FM, Red FM, C103, Cork’s 96FM and Radio Kerry will all expire in the next year.

In the Connacht/Ulster region, Highland Radio and Ocean FM will also expire next year.

The Leinster stations, excluding Dublin, who will have to apply for new licences next year are Midlands 103, KCLR, and KFM

Meanwhile, Dublin radio stations Spin 103.8 and Sunshine 106.8 will have to apply for a renewal of their licences which run out in 2014.