The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland will fully re-advertise five of the twelve sound broadcast licences after examining all the applications.
Seven of the franchise areas only received one bid from the current licensee, but the other five attracted competition which the BAI deem suitable enough to allow to compete.
“The Committee decided that the provision of a service for these five franchise areas should be open to a competitive licensing process. Notices will be placed in the national press in this regard on a phased basis between June and September, 2013,” the BAI said in a statement.
The five areas in question are:
South East Region
Currently operated by Beat 102 103, and being challenged by Power FM Group.
North Donegal
Currently operate by Highland Radio, and being challenged by Patrick Simpson.
County Sligo, North Leitrim and South Donegal
Currently operated by Ocean FM, and being challenged by nearby Mid West Radio.
Counties Laois, Offaly and Westmeath
Currently operated by Midlands 103, and being challenged by Midlands Broadcasting Company.
Dublin City and County
Finally, this service is currently being operated by Sunshine 106.8, and being challenged by Easy FM – Ireland’s Country Music Station.
For the other seven, the fast-track procedure for each services will be used and further news will be released around May 13th.
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