iRadio has handed over its licence application to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland saying it wants to keep living life lounder, at least for the next 10 years.
A group of iRadio representatives handed over the station’s licence application in Dublin today, including CEO Mark Cunning, his young son Charlie, aged 5, and 21-year-old iRadio work placement student Ciaran Bennett from IT Tralee.
The closing date for applications is Monday 25th February at 12pm – and no other group has announced its intention to apply for the licence, but we won’t know for sure until after the deadline has passed.
Mark explained why having Charlie and Ciaran with him was significant, and also how the submission marked the culmination of months of preparation and hard work: “As much as this application is for the 46 people we have working at iRadio and the 227,000 people who listen to iRadio every single day, it is also about the future; the future broadcasters and the future listeners.”
“Charlie is five years old and during the period of this next licence, he will become part of iRadio’s target demographic.”
It’s a very important day for iRadio as we hand over our license application to the BAI. #MakingiRadio #LiveLifeLouder pic.twitter.com/lGMStT2kGR
— iRadio (@ThisisiRadio) February 22, 2019
”It’s up to us to ensure that Charlie’s generation engage with radio in the way that generations of Irish people before them have, and if we get the new licence it is a challenge we will embrace. iRadio prides itself on opening its doors and developing new talent. Look at the TV and radio landscape and you’ll see and hear a wealth of great Irish broadcasters who started their career with iRadio.
“It’s vital that we keep bringing new talent to the Irish industry. Ciaran is a really talented and enthusiastic guy who we’ve got to know in iRadio over the last couple of months.”
”I’ve seen the pride he takes in the work he does with iRadio and I’ve no doubt Ciaran will be playing his part in the Irish radio landscape during the next licence phase.
“Hopefully his time with iRadio will equip him with skills, knowledge and an understanding of the industry.”
Proud day for iRadio CEO, Mark Cunning with his son Charlie handing over the license application to the BAI today. #MakingiRadio #LiveLifeLouder pic.twitter.com/CPcVM570Cb
— iRadio (@ThisisiRadio) February 22, 2019
Chairman of iRadio, Willie O’Reilly says he hopes the station will be able to continue its journey in the world of Irish broadcasting.
“iRadio has won hearts and minds across our franchise area and is now the most listened to station for the under 35s. We hope to be given the opportunity to continue and develop this strong relationship with our listeners,” he said.
Mark adds if the application is successful, iRadio has big plans for the future: “We’re a group of dynamic, creative and ambitious individuals in iRadio. As a collective we don’t take lightly the influence that we have over young people and we want to continue to use that influence to help break down barriers and embrace the changing nature of Irish society.
“Many of our 227,000 daily listeners don’t remember a time when iRadio wasn’t available to them and as we begin this new licence phase it’s an ideal time to set out our stall and reaffirm our goals.”