Music moguls Sir Bob Geldof and U2 manager Paul McGuinness were today locked in a heavyweight battle to provide an alternative rock station in Dublin
The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) heard final applications from Zed FM and Phantom FM as they bid to take control of what is perceived as a lucrative licence.
Sir Bob claimed Zed FM would inspire music lovers bored by the lack of quality and choice on the capital's airwaves. But Mr McGuinness said Phantom FM had stolen a march on their rivals and already tapped into the youth market with their alternative brand.
Sir Bob said Zed would benefit from his experience in broadcasting and media production in Britain. "When I was DJing on Xfm in London I just couldn't stand listening to the same old stuff.
"And it would be clearly understood that people are a little fed up. I just wanted to be excited again and with that you get a deep sense of satisfaction," he said.
"I chose this simply because across the board they [the shareholders] knew what's going on in this bid." However with a 10 per cent shareholding in the proposed station Sir Bob said his over-riding objective was profit.
Zed FM directors, including Mr Niall Stokes editor of Hot Press, and Mr Dermot Hanrahan former FM104 boss, plan to invest €2.3 million in the station in the fist year. But Mr Geldof and colleagues, who promised 30 per cent airtime to home-grown talent, face stiff competition from Phantom FM backed by U2 manager Paul McGuinness.
A former pirate station, Phantom has made its third bid for a licence and hopes it has an edge through experience gained during seven years broadcasting to the capital's musically-disenfranchised youth.
Phantom has also budgeted to invest around €2 million in the first year. Mr McGuinness said Dublin already had an audience that was ready and waiting for a station devoted to alternative rock music.
"This is an application from a group of people who care about rock music," Mr McGuinness said.
"Already we have demonstrated that there's an audience for an alternative rock music station in Dublin, and what's important is that this audience already trusts Phantom."
Phantom said they are aiming for male orientated market of 15-34-year-olds, while Zed did not specify a target group. They claim their brand will appeal across the board to those who feel left out by the commercially-focused chart pop.
The BCI will announce its decision on November 8th.
PA