8Radio.com is continuing its latest run of FM Broadcasts in Dublin on 94.3FM every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from now until December 18th 2016.
In addition to this, 8Radio.com will broadcast every weekend in February and March to Dublin (94.3FM), Cork (106.7FM), Limerick (105.2FM) and Galway (89.5FM).
By broadcasting on FM, 8Radio.com believes there is an opportunity to further strengthen its audience and drive traffic towards its online presence. It is hoped that these temporary FM broadcasts will lead to the opportunity to progress 8Radio.com towards permanent operation using a business model designed to make the operation of independently owned niche radio stations financially viable while providing quality output. The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland is conducting a Strategic review of its licencing activities at the moment and 8Radio.com tells RadioToday it will participate fully in this review.
Speaking about the start of the latest FM run for 8Radio.com, Managing Director Simon Maher said: “We’re delighted to be going back on FM with 8Radio.com, particularly given the recent sad closure of TXFM in Dublin. The last thing that we need is less homegrown creative outlets whether that be for musicians or new broadcasting talent. As always, our aim is to put the excitement and human engagement back into music radio.
“It’s not based on Focus Groups or Market Research, its based on choosing really good songs and having passionate presenters play them! 8Radio.com has found a niche among music lovers and those who may not currently consume much, if any, traditional FM radio.
“The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland are reviewing their Strategic Plan for the next three years and we will be continuing to put forward the case that we strongly believe that there is a market for an Alternative Music Service. If we want to have people listening to locally produced music radio in the future then we need to provide outlets for those musical niches and licence them under business and regulatory structures that will allow them to survive in a very competitive multi-media marketplace.”