BCI Radio Licensing – Section 8 (Temporary and Institutional Services)
The BCI currently licenses 6 hospital / institutional services. The Commission also regularly licenses temporary services for a 30 day period in any one year. Details of these services can be found on the licensed operators page of our website.
Temporary Services
Section 8 (1) of the Radio and Television Act, 1988 and amended by Section 61 of the Broadcasting Act, 2001 enables the Commission to enter into sound broadcasting contracts with applicants for a period of 30 days in a 12 month period. Groups interested in establishing community services would often initially avail of temporary sound broadcasting contracts. In the past, these services have also been used for college rag weeks, town festivals, music festivals and sports events.
Institutional Services
Institutions such as colleges and hospitals may also avail of Section 8 (2) contracts which allow for low-power services. The Commission currently license 6 institutional services. These licenses are granted for a period of 1 or 5 years and coverage is limited to the grounds of the institution.
For more information on how to apply for an Institutional service please email:
The Licensing Process for Section 8 Radio Services
Both Temporary and Institutional services do not require the normal steps in the licencing process. The Commission does not seek expressions of interest for these services, it is an open process whereby potential applicants may apply at any time.
Please click on the following links to view the information relating to temporary and institutional services: