THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY of Ireland has received 17 expressions of interest for 12 local sound broadcasting services since 24 January.

While there was one expression of interest for many of the stations, some face competition as two expressions of interest were sent in.

Competition

Two applied for the contract for South East Region regional, music-driven radio service (target audience 15 – 34 year olds) for Waterford City and County; South Tipperary; Wexford; Carlow; and Kilkenny. This is currently held by Beat FM and due to expire on 11 June 2014

Two were also received for the North Donegal broad-format, local radio service, which is currently held by Highland Radio and due to expire on 12 March 2014.

The contract for broad-format local radio service in County Sligo, North Leitrim and South Donegal received two expressions of interest – it is currently held by Ocean FM and is due to expire on 30 September 2014

The broad-format, local radio service for Laois, Offaly and Westmeath received two expressions of interest – the contract for Midlands 103 is due to expire on 14 March 2014

The final licence to receive two expressions of interest was the one for a niche music-driven service in Dublin City and County, currently held by Sunshine 106.8fm and due to expire 30 March 2014.

One expression of interest was received for each of these licences:

• Cork City and County: music-driven radio service, target audience 15–34 year olds. Currently held by Red FM, due to expire on 15 January 2014.
• Cork City and County: Two services to be operated under a single contract: broad-format, local radio service and music-driven, local radio service. Currently C103 and Cork’s 96 FM, due to expire on 31 October 2014.
• County Kerry: broad-format, local radio service. Currently Radio Kerry, due to expire on 9 July 2014.
• Counties Carlow and Kilkenny: broad-format, local radio service. Currently KCLR, due to expire on 21 April 2014.
• County Kildare: broad-format, local radio service. Currently broadcasting as Kfm, due to expire on 16 January 2014.
• Dublin City and County: music-driven service with a focus on new music, target audience 15-34 year olds. Currently Spin 103.8 FM, due to expire on 5 April 2014

The Contract Awards Committee of the BAI will meet on 1 May to consider the expressions of interest and determine the next stage in the licensing process for each franchise area.

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