The BAI has confirmed the Music-driven alternative rock sound broadcasting service for Dublin City and County will be fully re-advertised.
It comes as two expressions of interest were received for the licence, one from current operator TXFM and one from Simon Maher.
“The Committee considered each expression of interest on its own merits in the context of the relevant sound broadcasting service and franchise area and having regard to the relevant stator provisions,” BAI said.
“In each case, it was agreed that both of the expressions of interest received had been made in good faith. Therefore, the Committee decided that the provision of a music-driven (alternative rock) sound broadcasting service for the Dublin City and County franchise area should be open to a competitive licensing process.”
In addition, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland will start a ‘Fast Track’ procedure for the licence currently held by Newstalk, as only one expression of interest was received.
Notices will be placed in the local press in the relevant franchise area in this regard in the week commencing 21st December.