The BAI is responsible for the licensing of independent radio broadcasting services in Ireland and Part 6 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 sets out the mechanism by which the BAI shall undertake the licensing process for commercial, community temporary and institutional radio services.

The Broadcasting Services Strategy

The Broadcasting Services Strategy outlines the Authority’s vision for the optimum mix of broadcasting services and sets out how the Authority will apply its statutory functions and regulatory practices over the lifetime of the strategy, in order to facilitate the realisation of that vision.

Download the Broadcasting Services Strategy

See the BAI Media Release about the launch of the Strategy

The BAI Commercial Radio Licensing Plan 2012-2013

The BAI published the Commercial Radio Licensing Plan 2012-2013. This plan will set out the number, type and scope of contracts that the BAI proposes to enter into on the recommendation of the BAI Contract Awards Committee.

Download the BAI Commercial Radio Licensing Plan 2012-2013

See the BAI Media Release about the Publication of this plan

A total of 24 sound broadcasting services will be licensed during this time. The licensing process will be completed in two stages. Information on both stages is set out below:

Stage 1: July 2012

Stage 2: January 2013

Temporary Radio Licensing

Section 68 (1) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 allows the Authority to enter into a sound broadcasting contract with an applicant for a period of up to 30 days in a 12 month period. Additionally, if the application is for a community sound broadcasting contract, the Authority may enter into a contract for up to 100 days.

Download: Guide to Submissions – Temporary Radio (PDF Version) January 2013

Download: Guide to Submissions – Temporary Radio (Word Version) January 2013

See Temporary Services information

Institutional Radio Licensing

Section 68(2) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, provides that the Authority, on the recommendation of the Contract Awards Committee, may enter into a sound broadcasting contract with an applicant for the provision of a low-powered sound broadcasting service which is intended to serve only such single educational institution, hospital, or other similar establishment as may be specified in the contract. The term of these contracts ranges from one up to ten years.

Download: Guide to Submissions – Institutional Radio (PDF Version) January 2013

Download: Guide to Submissions – Institutional Radio (Word Version) January 2013