Radio firms challenge broadcast decisions

Decisions of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) to revise the franchise areas for local radio in counties Carlow, Kilkenny…

Decisions of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) to revise the franchise areas for local radio in counties Carlow, Kilkenny and Kildare were challenged in the High Court yesterday by a number of companies broadcasting in the former franchise areas.

The BCI decided to modify the areas for local radio from Carlow-Kildare to Carlow-Kilkenny with Kildare a separate entity.

Three companies - Carlow-Kilkenny Radio, Kildare Radio and Carlow-Kildare Radio - are opposing the BCI decision made in October last year awarding a contract for local radio in counties Carlow-Kilkenny-Kildare to CK Broadcasting Ltd (KCLR-FM) and Co Kildare FM Radio. Those proceedings opened yesterday.

Kilkenny Community Communications Co-operative Society, which failed to get a renewal of a broadcast licence for Kilkenny, has brought separate proceedings challenging the BCI decision to give the licence to KCLR-FM. The co-op, which employs 21 people, claims it will be forced into liquidation if the BCI decision stands.

READ MORE

The hearing before Mr Justice O'Caoimh continues today.