New community station in West Limerick

May 10th, 2005 | by aobaoill |

Ireland has another community radio station. The BCI, earlier today, signed a contract with “West Limerick 102.” The station has impressive sounding plans – 18 hours of broadcasting a day, three studios, plans for outside broadcasts. According to a press release from the BCI:

Programming will be based on community access and will reflect the various community interests and needs of the audience. The programme schedule will offer a diversity of programme content to cover all communities and communities of interest in West Limerick. These will be supported by comprehensive news and current affairs coverage, sport and special interest programming.

Interesting to note that the station chairperson is Michael J. Noonan, former Fianna Fáil TD and minister. A Limerick Leader piece says the station will be the largest community station in the country, which the figures above would suggest. As a community station it is, of course, non-profit, but may earn up to half its income from commercial activities.
The full press release is included below the break.

The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has today (May 10th) announced the signing of a five-year community sound broadcasting contract with West Limerick Community Radio Limited (broadcasting as West Limerick 102) for the franchise area of West Limerick.
Broadcasting daily from 7.00am to 1.00am, West Limerick 102 aims to provide a relevant and engaging service for the entire population, both rural and urban. Programming will be based on community access and will reflect the various community interests and needs of the audience. The programme schedule will offer a diversity of programme content to cover all communities and communities of interest in West Limerick. These will be supported by comprehensive news and current affairs coverage, sport and special interest programming.
The station has three broadcast studios, based in Newcastle West, Rathkeale and Abbeyfeale. In addition outside broadcasts will also be provided to give listeners a real sense of participation in the service.
Conor J. Maguire, Chairperson of the BCI, said: “I would like to congratulate West Limerick 102 on today’s contract signing and to wish them every success over the next five years. I am confident that this service will add to the sense of community in West Limerick and will facilitate the involvement of all members of the community.”
West Limerick 102 was represented at the signings by Michael J. Noonan, Chairperson and Mary Kelly, Vice-Chairperson. Conor J. Maguire, Chairperson and Michael O’Keeffe, Chief Executive signed on behalf of the BCI.
West Limerick 102 contact details:
Diarmuid McIntyre, Station Manager, West Limerick FM , tel :(069) 66200

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