Several stations to apply for southwest licence

Several companies, including Radio Kerry and UTV, are expected to apply for a new south-west radio licence covering Limerick, Clare,Tipperary, Kerry and southwest Laois.

The licence is aimed at listeners in the 15-34 age group, which is likely to appeal to applicants because of its popularity with advertisers.

The successful applicant for the service will be awarded a 10-year contract.

Paul Byrne, chief executive of Radio Kerry, told The Irish Times his company was actively considering applying. He said the company had three options: not to apply, apply on its own or apply as part of a larger consortium. The last option was the most likely, he said.

His company has started to emerge as a substantial local radio player in the last year. It now has 11 per cent of the Irish radio market after completing the purchase of two radio stations, Shannonside and Northern Sound last year. The two stations are believed to have been purchased for between €6-€7 million.

Shannonside serves Longford, Roscommon and south Leitrim, while Northern Sound serves Cavan and Monaghan. Including Radio Kerry, about 150 people are employed between the three stations.

Mr Byrne said Radio Kerry was in expansionary mode and the regional radio station model was growing in popularity.

It is also likely that UTV will apply for the licence, although it does not comment officially on what applications it is going to make. It already has a presence in the region via its Limerick's Live 95 FM. Other applicants who might take an interest in the licence are former 98 FM chief executive Dan Healy.

The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) last Tuesday placed an advertisement in the national press seeking applications from interested persons/ parties for the provision of a youth based licence.

"The service being advertised will provide a mix of speech and music programming of particular relevance to listeners in the 15-34 age group in this region. The successful applicant for the service will be awarded a 10-year contract," the advertisement stated.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 19th, April 2006. After initial consideration by the commission, all applications will be made publicly available.