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Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland
Pat Kenny, one of Newstalk's broadcasters.
BIG GUNS
The radio licences held by Newstalk and TXFM will be up for grabs next year
The two stations are likely to re-apply to stay on the air.
THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY of Ireland (BAI) is looking for expressions of interest for two commercial radio station licences.
The services are described as “a quasi-national speech/news service” and “a music-driven alternative rock service for Dublin City and County”.
The former is currently held by News 106 Limited, broadcasting as Newstalk. This contract is scheduled to expire on 24 September 2016.
Dublin Rock Radio Limited, broadcasting as TXFM (formerly Phantom FM), currently holds the rock music station contract, which is scheduled to expire on 26 October 2016.
Both are likely to re-apply and retain their licences. The BAI said it can’t comment on the process.
The organisation has produced a guide and application form for those interested in applying.
In a statement, the organisation noted that the ‘expressions of interest’ phase is not part of the application process for a commercial radio service, nor is it regarded as an application for the sound broadcasting contract in question.
The closing date for receipt of expressions of interest is Tuesday, 1 December 2015. All applications received will be made available publicly, following consideration by the BAI.
Read: Phantom FM no more… say hello to TXFM
Read: Once again RTÉ shows why it’s top dog. Here are the latest radio figures
