Newstalk signs national licence agreement

Newstalk 106-108FM has today signed a ten year licence agreement to become Ireland’s first national commercial talk-radio station.

At the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland’s (BCI) headquarters, Newstalk chairman Denis O’Brien signed the licence agreement with BCI Chairperson, Conor Maguire and BCI Chief Executive Michael O’Keefe.

From Friday next, Newstalk 106-108FM will be available across the airwaves nationwide. At the signing Denis O’Brien said: “Newstalk has established itself as a real alternative talk-radio service over the last four years, broadcasting to the greater Dublin area.

"The mix of news, sports, current affairs and entertaining talk-radio delivered with professionalism, personality and attitude has connected with Newstalk’s core audience of 25 - 44 year olds in Dublin and it is now set to do the same nationwide.”

“Being awarded the opportunity to broadcast nationally by the BCI is both an honour and a challenge that we are ready for."

Newstalk will be available between 106 and 108 FM right across Ireland from next Friday, 29th September.

The programme schedule represents a strong enhancement of the proven Newstalk formula in Dublin, combined with new programme formats, and some new presenters joining the team in the coming weeks.