The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has today announced that it is seeking applications for the provision of three community of interest radio services.
These stations are to serve student communities in each of Cork City, Limerick City and Galway City. Public notices seeking applications have been placed in the relevant local papers.
We’ll know after the closing date if the current licence holders – UCC 98.3, Flirt FM and Wired FM – are reapplying, or if there will be any competition.
The BAI says each of the services should be community focused and address the interests of, and seek to provide a social benefit to, the student community in the franchise area. The services should be non-profit-maximising and should provide for, and support, access by individuals and groups living in the franchise area.
In order to assist with the application process, the BAI has developed a Guide to Submissions document for the three services advertised today. Further details on the application process, and access to the relevant documents, can be found here.
The closing date for receipt of applications for all three services is 12 noon on Wednesday 10th August 2016.
The service for the student community of Cork City is currently provided by University College Cork and broadcasts as UCC 98.3FM. This Contract will expire on 20th June 2017.
The service for the student community of Galway City is currently provided by College Campus Radio Limited and broadcasts as Flirt FM. This Contract will expire on 20th June 2017.
The service for the student community of Limerick City is currently provided by Mary Immaculate College Limerick and broadcasts as Wired FM. This Contract will also expire on 20th June 2017.