The BCI today made a number of announcements regarding ownership and control of national, regional and local radio stations. The Commission considered three ownership and control issues at its meeting earlier this week. These were: the proposed sale of Emap radio services; the proposed sale of local Waterford station WLR FM; and the proposed sale of Beat 102-103, the regional youth radio service for the south-east.

Emap recently indicated to the BCI that it proposed to sell its three Irish radio services: Today FM, FM104 and Highland Radio. In this context, it sought agreement from the Commission to waive the two-year moratorium condition in the BCI's Ownership and Control Policy (2005), in respect of the Today FM service - Today FM was awarded a renewal of its ten year contract in February 2006. At its meeting on May 21st, the Commission agreed in principle to waive the two year moratorium requirement as requested.

The Commission agreed to waive the provision for a number of reasons. Firstly, there was no other applicant for the licence. In addition, Emap's track record to date in the control and operation of its Irish radio interests, including Today FM, was taken into account i.e. the Irish radio services held by Emap continued to be managed from Ireland and remained under Irish management since their acquisition. Also taken into account was the uncertainty which delay could create for staff of Today FM, and, potentially, the other stations involved in the sale.

Speaking about the decision the BCI's Chief Executive Michael O’Keeffe said: "The Commission's two-year moratorium on the sale of a commercial radio licence contains within it an overriding flexibility which enables the Board to consider particular and unique circumstances, as was the case on this occasion. It is important to note that the decision reached by the Commission is without prejudice to its rights and obligations regarding any proposed ownership and control changes that may be received in respect of the Today FM service."

The BCI has also today announced its agreement, in principle, to the sale of the majority shareholding in the Waterford City and County service, WLR FM, and the south-east regional youth service, Beat 102-103, to Thomas Crosbie Holdings (TCH) Limited. TCH will take control of 75% of both services, with Des Whelan, WLR FM's Chief Executive and a Director of Beat, holding the remaining 25%. Final approval is subject to a number of conditions.