The BAI is holding an oral presentation as part of the competitive licensing process for the niche, music-driven, sound broadcasting service for Dublin City and County.
Three applications were submitted by Star Broadcasting Limited, Easy FM Limited, and URadio but only two remain after URadio’s bid was rejected by the BAI, as revealed by RadioToday.
The BAI Committee considered that there were issues requiring clarification and/or further information from the two qualifying Applicants, Star Broadcasting Limited (trading as Sunshine 106.8) and Easy FM Limited (trading as Country FM).
It is intended to hold the oral presentation in the franchise area on Monday, 14th April. The BAI will announce the time and venue for the presentation on completion of the final arrangements for the event.
Keith Shanley from Easy FM says a lot of hard work has been done over the last three years plus to bring a 100% Country Music Radio Station to Dublin and County.
After reading the application by Sunshine 106.8 to retain the Dublin City and County service contract, Keith told RadioToday: “I’m disappointed that the present licence holder in their application does not believe that this market does not exist. We have conducted extensive market research that shows beyond any doubt, there is a “niche listenership” for Country Music.
“Personally and from my experience as a former PD with Country Mix, the station has no interest, knowledge or passion in Country Music and this is the main reason as to why it has failed to provide the music it was licensed to play over 10 years ago.”
Speaking about his application, which proposes a pure country music station, Keith adds: “I believe we have a very strong team both musically and financially that can in fact sustain a 100% Country Music Radio Station with a very bright future.”
Country FM (Easy FM Ltd) currently runs an online station and is led by Mike McClure aka Mike Ryan, a former presenter on stations including Dublin’s Country 106.8fm, Midland’s 103 and Ocean fm. He’s joined on the board of the company by Keith who is former presenter on KFM Kildare, Midlands in Tullamore, KCLR and South East Radio; Brendan Magee (country presenter on Midwest and Northwest Radio 1993-2005 and breakfast on Ocean FM Sligo); and Martin Block (co-founder of FM104, Q102 and 4FM).