The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) has published its Commercial Radio Licensing Plan 2012-2013.
The Authority is required by the Broadcasting Act, 2009 to produce plans that set out the number, nature and scope of broadcasting contracts that it proposes to enter into over a given period (on the recommendation of the Contract Awards Committee). This plan outlines that the Authority will seek to license 22 commercial sound broadcasting contracts over the 2012 and 2013 period.
The licensing plan has been developed following consultation with the industry and the public earlier this year. The plan concentrates on the licensing of services in franchise areas where the current contract is nearing expiration and retains the existing commercial radio franchise areas.
Speaking about the publication, Michael O’Keeffe, the Chief Executive of the BAI, said: The publication of this plan signals the commencement of a significant and very important piece of work for the BAI. The plan seeks to ensure listeners in the relevant areas are well served by a range of commercial broadcasting services.”
The Authority will now direct the BAI Contract Awards Committee to invite applications for sound broadcasting contracts in the relevant franchise areas. Further information on the process will be outlined over the coming months.
A copy of the BAI Licensing Plan is available here: https://www.bai.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/20120622_BAI-Licensing-Plan-2012-2013.pdf
Media Queries to:
Brian Furey
BAI
01 6441200