Press Releases 2006

 

BCI ANNOUNCES RADIO LICENSING DECISION

22nd May 06

 

At its meeting today (May 22nd 2006), the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has announced the awarding of the Quasi-national news/speech sound broadcasting service to News 106 Ltd (trading as Newstalk 106).

 

The Commission has awarded a ten year licence in principle to Newstalk 106 for the provision of a quasi-national sound broadcasting service which will have a strong emphasis on news/speech programming and target a 25+ audience. The service area will include a large part of the State but will not provide universal coverage.

 

The award is subject to the successful outcome of contract negotiations and these are expected to be completed in the coming months.

 

Upon completion of the contract, Newstalk 106 have agreed with the BCI to terminate their current local radio licence serving the Dublin City and County area.

 

The quasi-national service will retain the 106 MHz frequency in Dublin and will operate within the 106 – 107 MHz band for the other areas of the country to be served.

 

Speaking after today’s meeting of the BCI Board, Conor J Maguire, Chairperson of the BCI stated “We believe that the Newstalk 106 quasi-national service is an important addition to the diverse range of radio services broadcasting throughout Ireland . We look forward to concluding contract negotiations at an early date” .

 

---

-Ends-

For further information please contact:

Aishling Deegan                                       
Fleishman - Hillard            

01 6188482/087 2947193