Press Releases 2007
WEDNESDAY 23RD MAY 2007
OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL ANNOUNCMENTS
The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland has today made a number of announcements regarding ownership and control of national, regional and local radio stations. The Commission considered three ownership and control issues at its meeting earlier this week regarding; the proposed sale of Emap radio services; the proposed sale of WLR FM and the proposed sale of Beat FM, the regional youth radio service for the south-east.
Emap radio services
Emap recently indicated to the Commission that it proposed to sell its three Irish radio services-Today FM, FM104 and Highland Radio. In this context, it sought agreement from the Commission to waive the two-year moratorium condition in the BCI’s Ownership and Control Policy (2005), in respect of the Today FM service. Today FM was awarded a renewal of its ten year contract in February 2006. At its meeting on the 21st May, the Commission agreed in principle to waive the two year moratorium requirement as requested.
The Commission agreed to waive the provision having had regard to a number of issues including; there was no other applicant for the licence; Emap’s track record to date in the control and operation of its Irish radio interests, including Today FM; the Irish radio services held by Emap continued to be managed from Ireland and under Irish management since their acquisition and; the uncertainty which delay could create for staff of Today FM and, potentially the other stations involved in the sale.
Speaking about the decision Michael O’Keeffe, Chief Executive of the BCI said “The Commission’s two-year moratorium on the sale of a commercial radio licence contains within it an overriding flexibility which enables the Board to consider particular and unique circumstances, as was the case on this occasion. It is important to note that the decision reached by the Commission is without prejudice to its rights and obligations regarding any proposed ownership and control changes that may be received in respect of the Today FM service.”
WLR FM and Beat FM
The BCI has also today announced its agreement in principle to the sale of the majority shareholding in the Waterford City and County service, WLR FM, and the south-east regional youth service, Beat FM, to Thomas Crosbie Holdings (TCH) Limited. TCH will take control of 75% of both services, with Des Whelan, Chief Executive of WLR FM and a Director of Beat FM, holding the remaining 25%. Final approval is subject to a number of conditions.
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Media Queries to:
Catherine Logan or Aoife Clabby
Q4 Public Relations BCI
01 4751444/086 8114785 01 6441200