Newstalk launches schedule line-up

DUBLIN radio Newstalk 106 yesterday launched its new autumn schedule in advance of going countrywide, next month.

The new national station is promising a unique brand of talk radio from October 2.

Hit by the loss of presenter Eamon Dunphy earlier this year, the station has brought in new faces to boost its current line-up.

Broadcasting from 6.30am daily, newcomers include current TV3 journalist Claire Byrne and former Irish Independent business reporter Tom Lyons.

Newstalk 106 claimed it will be providing the first national talk radio alternative since radio transmissions began here 70 years ago.

The station is planning a huge media blitz to drum up publicity in the run-up to its national launch.

Newstalk 106 will host Your Call, a phone-in show with Brenda Power every weekday from 11.00-12.30pm.

Senator David Norris is also set to join the station, hosting Sunday with Norris, where he will conduct lengthy one-to-one interviews with people in the public eye.

Station editor Garrett Harte said the broadcasts will be of nationwide interest.

“We are delighted to be bringing this exciting brand of talk radio, combined with our up-to-the-minute news service onto the national stage,” he said.

“People from Letterkenny to Limerick, Cavan to Cork and Galway to Gorey will be able to enjoy fun, lively, interactive radio right across the day whether we are dealing with the latest fashion trend or most pressing political issue.

“Our schedule has something for everyone, delivered by a mix of household names, home-grown talent and top-class news and current affairs journalists.”

Newstalk 106 was awarded its licence in May 2006 and plans to reach 92% of the population.