The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) intends to offer a number of new radio licences for a range of special-interest markets, it was announced yesterday.
The BCI revealed its three-year plan for the licensing of additional commercial radio services based on expressions of interest received earlier in the summer.
The BCI will seek applications for new licences this autumn, with a view to the first of the stations being on air some time next year. The licences will include three new regional youth services: a "quasi-national" speech-based service serving most high-density population centres in Ireland; a national Christian service on AM with low-power FM relays; a classic rock service for Dublin and surrounding counties; a multi-city classic gold service; and country and Irish music services for the northeast and midwest regions.
"The next three years will see significant changes in the Irish broadcasting landscape", said Michael O'Keeffe, chief executive of the BCI.