Government backs Today FM takeover

The Government tonight gave the go-ahead for the takeover by Scottish Radio Holdings of the Today FM independent national radio station and the Longford Leader newspaper group.

The deals were fixed earlier this month, pending agreement by Tánaiste and Enterprise, Trade and Employment Minister, Mary Harney.

SRH already own 24% of Today FM and will now acquire the rest of the shares. Their purchase of the Longford group will increase their existing interests in provincial news organisations in Tipperary and Kilkenny.

Ms Harney said the developments meant that by becoming part of a larger group, both Today FM and the Longford Leader would be better equipped to provide more competition in the national media market.