Press Releases 2005
BCI receives 57 expressions of interest for new comercial sound broadcasting services
26th May
The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland today (May 26th) announced the receipt of a total of 57 expressions of interest for the provision of new commercial sound broadcasting services. A total of 44 respondents made submissions. Expressions were received following the placement of an advertisement in the national press on 8th April last.
The expressions of interest brought a great mix of proposals, both from existing operators and potential new entrants. The largest interest was in the provision of regional services, the most significant of which were proposals for services in the Mid-West (7) and the North East (4). Expressions of interest were also received for the provision of quasi-national (8) services. The Commission also received interest in the provision of services in Dublin and the commuter belt (9).
Commenting on the submissions, Chief Executive, Michael O´Keeffe said "We are delighted with the number and quality of responses received. The revised approach to the expressions on interest phase of the licensing process has been very successful and this is evident in the quality of the information provided. Clearly respondents had a better understanding of the Commission´s objectives when formulating its licensing plan, namely diversity, viability and the efficient use of spectrum."
"The success of BEAT FM, the first regional service licensed by the BCI, has evidently convinced others that this model can be successfully replicated in other parts of the country. It is also interesting to note the level of interest in AM broadcasting either in combination with FM to provide quasi-national coverage or on a stand alone basis. A full analysis of all the expressions received is now underway."
A report on the expressions of interest received will be presented to the Board of the BCI at its July meeting, after which all expressions will be available for public inspection, either by appointment at the BCI's office at 2 - 5 Warrington Place, Dublin 2 or on its website, www.bci.ie. In the meantime a list of the names of the groups expressing interest together with a brief description of the franchise areas proposed is available on the website.
Media Queries to:
Catherine Logan or Aoife Clabby
Fleishman-Hillard BCI
01-618 8462 01-6441200
BCI receives 57 expressions of interest for new comercial sound broadcasting services
26th May
The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland today (May 26th) announced the receipt of a total of 57 expressions of interest for the provision of new commercial sound broadcasting services. A total of 44 respondents made submissions. Expressions were received following the placement of an advertisement in the national press on 8th April last.
The expressions of interest brought a great mix of proposals, both from existing operators and potential new entrants. The largest interest was in the provision of regional services, the most significant of which were proposals for services in the Mid-West (7) and the North East (4). Expressions of interest were also received for the provision of quasi-national (8) services. The Commission also received interest in the provision of services in Dublin and the commuter belt (9).
Commenting on the submissions, Chief Executive, Michael O´Keeffe said "We are delighted with the number and quality of responses received. The revised approach to the expressions on interest phase of the licensing process has been very successful and this is evident in the quality of the information provided. Clearly respondents had a better understanding of the Commission´s objectives when formulating its licensing plan, namely diversity, viability and the efficient use of spectrum."
"The success of BEAT FM, the first regional service licensed by the BCI, has evidently convinced others that this model can be successfully replicated in other parts of the country. It is also interesting to note the level of interest in AM broadcasting either in combination with FM to provide quasi-national coverage or on a stand alone basis. A full analysis of all the expressions received is now underway."
A report on the expressions of interest received will be presented to the Board of the BCI at its July meeting, after which all expressions will be available for public inspection, either by appointment at the BCI's office at 2 - 5 Warrington Place, Dublin 2 or on its website, www.bci.ie. In the meantime a list of the names of the groups expressing interest together with a brief description of the franchise areas proposed is available on the website.
Media Queries to:
Catherine Logan or Aoife Clabby
Fleishman-Hillard BCI
01-618 8462 01-6441200