SPECIAL - Stand and Deliver - The Heyday of the Pirates
At this time every year our thoughts always go back to the turn of the year in 1989 when, literally overnight, the face of radio in Ireland changed forever when our rich tradition of unlicensed radio stations came to an abrupt end. This radio documentary by Anne Marie McNerney takes us on a journey back through that special pirate radio era with interviews and clips from some of the main players. (Added January '06)
56k dial-up or with a broadband connection

SPECIAL - Widespread Wireless - Deregulation of Local Radio
A follow-up to last week's programme documenting the fall of the pirates, this week Anne Marie McNerney turns her attention to the post 1988 rise of local licensed radio. (Added January '06)
56k dial-up or with a broadband connection

ABC FM

From Tramore in Co Waterford, this is a sample of ABC Radio from the 29th October 1982 (30th November 2003)

From Tramore in Co Waterford, this is some late night/early morning from October 1982 on 101.2MHz (8th February 2004)


ABC RADIO

Broadcast in 1983 on 963kHz AM in Dublin, this is the 'Alternative Music Show' with presenter Paul Rodgers (4th April 2004)


ARKLOW COMMUNITY RADIO

Dated from 29 October 1983, this recording off 99MHz features Joe Burn on air on this Wicklow station. (20th June 2004)


ATLANTIC 252

Charlie Wolf with the last hour from the long wave station's first day on the air, September 1st 1989, on 252kHz (4th January 2004)


BBC RADIO 1

Phantom Anorak: BBC RADIO 1 - A snippet from a rare daytime appearance for John Peel in the early '90s (3rd October 2004)

Annie Nightingale pays tribute to the unique talent that was John Peel. This show was broadcast at 1am on 29th October 2004 (7^th November 2004).


BBC RADIO 2

This week, 'Radio Revolutionaries Part 1' as broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on the 26th August 2003 (Part of 'The Phantom Anorak series - 15th February 2004)

This week, 'Radio Revolutionaries Part 2' as broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on the 2nd September 2003 (Part of 'The Phantom Anorak series - 22nd February 2004)

Broadcast in February 2000, this is the story of Radio Luxembourg - 'The Great 208'. (Part of 'The Phantom Anorak series - 28th November 2004)


BBC6 MUSIC

This week: "Summer of '67 - Part 10 'The Pirates'". Originally broadcast on BBC Radio 1 in 1977, this is a rebroadcast on BBC6 Music of the final part of a ten part series looking at the music of 1967. This episode featured a look at the end of the pirates era, and the start of BBC Radio 1 (Part of 'The Phantom Anorak series - 21st March 2004)


BBC WORLD SERVICE

A programme recorded for the World Service by John Peel before his untimely recent death. This was broadcast in the early hours of 13th November 2004. (14^th November 2004).

The last ever programme recorded by John Peel for the BBC and broadcast on 19/20 November 2004 on the World Service (21st November 2004).


BEAT 102-103

The country's first licensed regional service went on air to the south-east one year ago. This is the station's launch. (4th July 2004)

A sample of Saturday night programming from Ireland's first (licenced) regional station. This is Streetbeat dated from 1st May 2004 and recorded off their 103.1MHz FM transmitter (January 2005).

A sample of the first Breakfast programme broadcast on south-east regional station Beat 102-103 as aired on July 2nd 2003. (5^th June 2005)

BEAUMONT RADIO

A chance to sample one of Dublin's Hospital stations from the morning of 19th November 2003 (23rd November 2003)


BIG D RADIO

Recorded off FM on 19th August 1981, this is Tony Allan on air for the Dublin station (Added July 2004)


BIG L

This recording of the Limerick station is from 92.1MHz FM. (8th August 2004)


BIG M

Junior on Big M from Monaghan on a recording dating from 28th August 1986. (March '07 - Thanks to Donagh McKeown for correcting previous information. These days Junior can be heard daily on Shannonside Northern Sound from 7pm to 9pm)


BORDER WEEKEND RADIO

From Dundalk in Co Louth, this is Johnny Walker on air on January 21st 1989. (Added June '06)


BOYNESIDE RADIO

A return to the golden era of Irish radio and a trip to the north-east on Good Friday afternoon 1985. This recording was made off 1260kHz AM. (January '07)

Recorded on medium wave on 23 April 1987, this was Drogheda's local station (January 2004)

Kieran Murray on air at the Drogheda-based station from 2pm on 24 April 1987 (28th March 2004)


BUZZ FM

At last, the station on 101.5MHz goes live. (Cork Special: 5th September 2004)


CAPITAL FM

Programming from the launch night (27 May 2005) of this new station broadcasting on 90.3MHz FM in Dublin. (May 2005)

From last summer this is Mike O'Brien on the warm evening of June 2nd 2005. This Dublin pirate station broadcast on 90.3MHz FM. (July 2006)


CAPITAL RADIO

On 95.8FM from Dublin, this is Gary Hamill on Capital Radio dated from 1979 (18th January 2004)


CAPITAL RADIO

From 17th August 1981, this Cork station's recording comes from 1305kHz


CAPITOL 94

From Dublin. Breakfast Show from May 11th 1984 (26th October 2003)


CASTLE K FM

Short, but sweet! This Dublin station recording dates from 9th May 1984 on 96.0MHz FM (2nd May 2004)

CENTURY RADIO

Terry Wogan and Marty Whelan at the launch of the first commercial national radio station in the history of the state on 4 September 1989. (July '07)

CHOICE FM

A new station launched this weekend in Dublin. Broadcasting on a temporary licence on 92.1MHz FM for the next fifteen weekends, this is an hour of live broadcasting from Saturday morning - 6th August. (August 2005)

Operating under a temporary licence covering four cities, this is the last hour of broadcasting from Choice FM, completed 12th November 2006.
Dial-up or broadband

CIMR

Operating on a temporary licence, this is the final hour of the Dublin easy-listening station's final night of broadcasting on 92.1MHz FM. Choice FM broadcast over fifteen weekends, finishing up with this recording on 13th November 2005. (November 2005)

The final two hours from the north-east station's third temporary licence which came to an end this weekend. This recording was made in Dublin on 94.9MHz FM, and features a staff knees-up with Joe Doyle plus others on the mic. (August '06)
56k dial-up or with a broadband connection

CITYBEAT

Recorded off the Belfast station's 96.7FM outlet, this is breakfast time programming from May 22nd 2007 (May 2007)

CITY FM

Featuring Jason McKay on Drivetime, this recording from this short-lived Dublin station is dated 18 August 2003 (March 2004)

From 18th August 2003, this is a recording of this short-lived pirate station which broadcast on 94.1MHz FM (February 2005)


CITYVIEW

The last few minutes of the day's broadcasting from this station on 103.0MHz. (Cork Special: September 2004)

This time we feature a unique sound on Cork's airwaves. This recording is off 103.0MHz FM and dates from 17th September 2006 and starts at 4.45pm. (February '07)


CKR FM

From August 23rd 2000, this is an afternoon recording from the licensed station for the now-defunct franchise area of Carlow & Kildare. (Added April '06)

Golden Oldies Show from 21st September 2003 (26th October 2003)

This week, CKR FM prepare to close for good in this Openline special recorded on 29th January 2004. The programme ran for 5 hours and the whole programme can be accessed here (Part of 'The Phantom Anorak series - 1st February 2004) (last hour only)

From November 14th last year, this is Carlow/Kildare's now defunct station recorded from their 97.6MHz FM transmitter (18th April 2004)


CLUB FM

Dated from 10th December 2004, this is a recording of one of Dublin's dance music stations. (February 2005)


COMMUNITY RADIO FINGAL

This Dublin station recording dates from 17th July 1982 (9th May 2004)


COUNTRY GOLD

From 20th July 2001, this is Breakfast Time programming from this Limerick station, recorded off 103.0MHz (January 2005).

Limerick's now defunct Country and Oldies station from Summer 2001 on 103.0MHz (18th January 2004)


DIT FM

Dublin student station DIT FM's broadcast of the Éist Radio Debate, which aired on April 29th 2004. (4th July 2004)



DOLLYMOUNT COMMUNITY RADIO

This Dublin station's recording was made from 1600kHz AM on Sunday 15th August 1982 at 10am (23rd May 2004)


106.8FM DUBLIN'S COUNTRY

Greg Gaughran on the Bray-based station recorded 15th December 2003 (21st December 2003)

Farewell to Gallico - a tribute programme to a broadcasting legend. As broadcast at 10am on May 21st 2005. (22^nd May 2005)

EAST COAST RADIO

From 5th December 2000 and recorded off the station's 94.9FM transmitter, this is Declan Meehan on Wicklow's radio station (January 2005)


ENERGY 103

Recorded on 28th April 1986 from 8.50pm, this is Gary Hamill on air in the station's early days (February 2004)

Some extremely early output - 29th April 1986 - Energy Breakfast with John O'Hara (November 2003)

A short sample of Richard Jackson on air on May 2nd 1986 on the Dublin superpirate. Recorded off the station's 738 MW transmitter. (12^th June 2005)

Gary Hamill presents Pure on 7th June 1986 (30th November 2003)

Off 738kHz AM this is Dublin station Energy 103, who were born out of Nova's ashes. This recording features Gerry Stevens on air on August 26th 1986. (January '07)

Top Dublin pirate successor to Radio Nova as broadcast on 738kHz from 2.10pm on the afternoon of August 26th 1986. This recording features Gerry Stevens on air followed by Gareth O'Callaghan. (May '07)

From 19th January 1987, this is John O'Hara on air with his popular 'Schools Out' evening programme (6th June 2004)

Four recordings featuring evening programmes from Energy 103 from 24th February 1987. First, we join Pat Courtenay at 6.15pm. Following Pat Courtenay at 7pm, this is John O'Hara with the very popular Schools Out programme (August/September 2004)

From 103.0MHz, this is Alan Burns on air on 26th February 1987 (21st December 2003)

Tony Allan on air on the afternoon of 7th April 1987 on the popular superpirate (11th July 2004)

Programming broadcast from 7am-1pm on the 1st May 1987 - presented in 4 parts over the comming weeks (22nd February 2004)

There was such an overwhelming response to the Tony Allan tribute last week that a break in tradition is called for. So, this week, there's a new Energy 103 recording for the second week running, again featuring Tony on air, this time on the afternoon of May 5th 1987. N.B. the recording was made either side of breaks in transmission caused by an ESB (electricity) strike (18th July 2004)

Energy 103 from 8th May 1987. This is the first of six recordings and starts at 7.15am. (21^st November 2004)

With the 18th anniversary of the abrupt disappearance of this massively popular Dublin station just passed, this week Radio Retro runs 6½ hours recorded off 738kHz AM on May 14th 1987. The recording starts at 8am with Pat Courtenay (& Lisa Moore) on breakfast duty, Alan Burns looking after mid-morning & Tony McKenzie in the afternoon. (Added March '06)

More John O'Hara, this time from Summer '87 (27th June 2004)

Recorded on 10th March 1988, this is Tony McKenzie on Breakfast (11th January 2004)


ENERGY 94FM

Dating from 25th January 2001, this is Rob G on the popular dance pirate recorded off 94.1MHz in Dublin (25th July 2004)


ENERGY POWER AM

Live medium wave radio returns to Dublin in the shape of Energy Power AM. This broadcast took place on the evening of 18th April 2004 on 1593kHz (16th May 2003)


ERNESIDE RADIO

A sample from the Cavan station dated from 2nd December 1987 and featuring Don Allen on Breakfast (7th December 2003)


EXIDY 738

Tony Allan on air on this one-day experimental split service from Radio Nova which was planned for the English market. Broadcasting on 738kHz (Nova was on 819 - Exidy was pulled because of breakthrough on this channel) this test broadcast went to air on May 23rd 1984 (11th July 2004)


FLASH FM

A recording from this Wicklow-based station, dated 4th September 2004 and featuring Phil T on air on a Saturday afternoon on 94.3MHz. (26^th September 2004)

The final hour, broadcast last January 22nd, from this Kildare-based station which was ordered to close by the regulators. (August 2005)

FM104

Greg Gaughren on the mid-morning show for this top Dublin station in January 2001. (8th August 2004)

The ever-popular Strawberry Alarm Clock dated from 13th January 2004 (February 2005)

The last hour of this Dublin station's top-rated breakfast show Strawberry Alarm Clock from December 17th 2004. (September 2005)

FREAK FM

Live broadcasting from Cork's alternative station on 105.2FM. (Cork Special: 5th September 2004)

The controversial final hour of broadcasting from Cork's Alternative Music station which ceased at 1am on January 2nd just gone. (Warning: contains very strong language) (Added January '06)
56k dial-up or with a broadband connection

FREEDOM FM

Dating from 15th May 2001, this is Wayne Scales on the very popular but now defunct Dublin pirate station. (January 2005)

The now-defunct popular chart music Dublin station celebrated 8 years on air in March 2003. This is Louise Jordan hosting the impromptu studio party on 92.0MHz FM. (July 2005)

FUN FM

On 91.6FM, this is a recording from a long-running dance pirate station in Dublin which recently shut down. (May 2007)


FUSION FM

The first night of test broadcasts (dated 23rd September 2004) from this Dublin station which appears sporadically on 87.6MHz FM. (October 2004)


GALAXY FM

Dated August 3rd 2004, this recording from the low-powered Dublin northside station is from a time when confusion reigned thanks to increased ComReg activity (Note: the station was back on 105.3MHz FM the following night). ( 15^th August 2004)

GALAXY FM

On 107.4MHz, this is the sound of Galaxy FM. (Cork Special: 5th September 2004)


GALTEE RADIO

From 19th July 2001 this is Limerick's country and Irish music pirate station broadcasting at the time on 102.4MHz FM. (5th December 2004)


GALWAY BAY FM

This recording features programming on the station's 95.8MHz opt-out from the evening of 14th July 2000. Then Susan Shannon harmonises all frequencies again. ( 29^th August 2004)

HEARTBEAT 95.5FM

Dating from 23rd February 1987, this recording from the popular Dublin station starts at 11am (18th April 2004)


HEAT FM

The station's voiced ident! (Cork Special: 5th September 2004)


HOMETOWN RADIO

From Castleblaney in Monaghan in the mid '80s this is a recording of Hometown Radio off 981kHz AM - 8th July 1985 (April '07)


HOT FM

Dublin dance music station Hot FM is this week's feature. Broadcast on 3rd November 2003 on 99.4MHz FM, this is live afternoon programming from the station (4th April 2004)

This week's unlicensed file features some up and coming talent: Adrienne O'Hora on a recording which dates from 27th August 2003 and was recorded off the Dublin dance station's 94.1MHz transmitter. (12th September 2004)

From 27 August 2003 this is Steve Power on air for this now defunct Dublin dance music station which broadcast on 94.1MHz FM. (September 2005)

IRISH MUSIC RADIO

Radio Dublin finally get a licence...Irish Music Radio launched on 12th June 2004 - day 1 of a 30 day legal service. This recording is the station's first hour as a licensed station. (13th June 2004)

This week Radio Retro features an anorak special as broadcast during IMR's meltdown, the last day of their second temporary licence on September 25th. The programme featured many well-known names from radio's past and present and the discussion focused on the past, present and future of radio in this country.
56k dial-up or with a broadband connection (October 2005)

IRL FM

After three years on air, Independent Radio Longford closed on 30th December 1988. This is their final hour of broadcast (14th March 2004)


JAZZ FM

Dublin's only urban music station in action on the afternoon of 21st August 2000, recorded off their 89.8FM transmitter. (17th October 2004)


KERRY COMMUNITY RADIO

Some vintage radio featuring Sarah Jones, then Paul Davison, on air on 290metres MW on 2nd August 1979. (3rd October 2004)


KFM

Kildare county's first dedicated licensed station opened at 8am on Sunday 1st February - this is their first hour on air (1st February 2004)

The second hour of broadcasting from Kildare's new station which launched at 8am on February 1st 2004. (July 2005)

KISS FM

Still in October 1982 this week for the one and only Tony Allan on Radio Nova's sister station recorded off 102.7MHz FM (August '06).

From 102.7MHz, this is Radio Nova sister station Kiss FM with John Clarke on air from 19 Herbert St on 27th October 1982 (February 2004)

Colm Hayes on air in Dublin on the afternoon of 28th October 1982 for Radio Nova's sister-station on 102.7MHz FM. (Feb '06)

KISS FM

Dated from St Stephen's Day 1988, this is Monaghan's short-lived but very popular Kiss FM, featuring an interview in which station engineer Miles Johnstone talks about radio in Ireland (7th March 2004)


KISS FM

Once the Cork county borders were reached, Kiss FM on 106.5MHz FM were receivable. This recording starts at about 4.10pm. (Cork Special: 5th September 2004)


KISS 106FM

Limerick's Kiss FM recorded from their 106.3MHz FM outlet on the afternoon of November 1st 2000 (2nd May 2004)

An early evening recording from this Limerick dance station dated 19th July 2001 (February 2005)


KLAS 98.5FM

A touch of class from Dublin's airwaves back in the '80s. This recording dates from 16 June 1988. (19^th September 2004)


KLUB FM

Short-lived Cork dance station from 14th April 2001 (2nd November 2003)


KS1075

Some jingles as broadcast by this short-lived, mainly automated pirate station from Navan, Co Meath in November 2000. (12th September 2004)


LASER 558

A recording of the end of evening's programming from the legendary offshore station dated 22nd July 1985. (19^th September 2004)


LIQUID

Andy Clarke on Dublin's newest station Liquid, broadcasting on 90.3MHz FM. This recording dates from 15th December 2004 when the station was still on test (Added January '05).

Mike O'Brien, then Paul Byrne, on air for this short-lived experimental unlicensed station on the morning of December 21st 2004. Liquid broadcast from Dublin on 90.3MHz FM. (added April '06)

LITE FM

From the Dublin station now known as Q102, this recording from 102.2MHz FM dates back to Christmas Eve last (23rd May 2004)


LLCR

The first day of test broadcasts from Liberties Local Community Radio broadcasting on 96.7MHz FM to the heart of Dublin city. This recording features Kirk Jackson finishing up for the day - March 31st 1986. (Sept '06)
56k dial-up or with a broadband connection

From the heart of Dublin city, this is a sample of LLCR recorded from their 104FM transmitter on 25th February 1987 (23rd November 2003)


LMFM RADIO

This recording of Louth/Meath's licensed station dates from 13th January 2004 and starts at 11.30am. (21st November 2004)


LUV FM

A sample of the Cork-based love songs station on 106.8MHz dating from 6th October 2000 (30th November 2003)


MINISTRY FM

From New Year's Eve just passed, this is a recording of this Dublin dance station off 93.2MHz FM from midday. Featured is the culmination of the Listeners' Top 20 for 2004 presented by Mick Masterson. (January 2005)


MAGIC 103

George Long on air on the Radio Nova sister station on 27th August 1985 (29th August 2004)


NEWSTALK 106FM

After months of rumours, weeks of non-stop print coverage, Eamon Dunphy - the self-styled rebel - is back on radio. This is his first show for the Dublin station, which aired from 7am on 6th September 2004. (12th September 2004)


98FM

This is a sample of one of Dublin's top commercial stations. The afternoon recording is dated January 25th 2001 (February 2005)

NDCR

A recording from April 5th 1985 which features Mike Taylor on air on this forerunner to today's NEAR 90.3FM. Forgive the quality. (March '07)


NORTH WEST RADIO

A sample featuring Brendan Redmond from 14 July 2000 of this station which will cease broadcasting very shortly. Note the shared jingle package, indicating the shared programming - which turned out to be a factor in North West Radio losing their licence. (19^th September 2004)

A sample of the station which served the north-west region for over a decade. The recording was made August 29th 2004. (19^th June 2005)

The final day's broadcasting from the station which was licensed to serve Sligo, Donegal (south) & Leitrim (north) for 14 years. Overnight automated music brought the station to 7am on October 1st 2004. The day's schedule went as follows (click on your connection speed to listen): 7am The Breakfast Show with David Cawley; 9am The Connaught Gold Show with Tommy Marren; 11am The Mid-Morning Show with Paul Claffey; 1pm The Final Hour with Tommy Marren - (56k) (17^th October 2004)

NOVA 947

A sample of this Dublin dance station from New Year's Eve last year off 94.7MHz FM (26th December 2004).

The long-running popular Dublin dance station is featured this week. Broadcasting on 94.7FM, this recording dates back to 5th January 2004 (25th January 2004)


NU WAVE RADIO

Recorded on 92.6MHz (in a weak broadcast area), this is a chance to sample the live New Year's Eve 2003 offering from this irregular Dublin station (11th January 2004)


OZONE RADIO INTERNATIONAL

From 16th November 2003, this is a recording of Ozone International, Prince Terry's shortwave station broadcasting from Dublin, complete with authentic AM fades! (4th January 2004)


PHANTOM FM

Due to launch as a full-time licensed service later this week but now delayed, this is a sample of Jack Hyland on 'Heavy Traffic' from July 2nd 2001 on Dublin's alternative rock station. (Added June 2005)

Steve Conway finishes off a marathon day-long session on Christmas Day 2002, recorded off 91.6FM in Dublin. (Added December 2004)

Recorded from their Dublin 91.6FM outlet, this is live programming from New Year's Eve 2002 (Added December 2003)

From Sunday 25th May 2003, this is Cormac Battle and Sinister Pete on air on what turned out to be the final night of broadcasting as a pirate for the just-licenced Phantom FM. (Added November 2004)

The Dublin station's last hour in operation as a pirate (Added October 2003)

The Dublin station's first legal broadcast from 18th October 2003 (Added October 2003)

Phantom FM are back on air with a temporary licence. This is their first hour on the new frequency of 92.1MHz FM, which was also the first hour of Saturday March 27th (Added March 2004)

On air under a full licence after a long and colourful journey, this is Phantom 105.2FM's launch and first few hours on air, from midday 31st October 2006. There's also other selected first show outings for the week.

The files are as follows:-
1: 12pm - Launch; Simon Maher
2: 3pm (31st October) - Sinister Pete
3: 10am (1st November) - Access All Areas with Edel Coffey
4: Midday (1st November) - Out to Lunch with Neill Austin
5: 5pm (1st November) - Heavy Traffic with Jack Hyland
6: 11am (4th November) - Kiosk with Nadine O'Regan
7: 9am (5th November) - Anorak Hour with Ger Roe
(Added November 2006)

PHANTOM FM - Media Beacon

Media Beacon - Editions 1-25

Media Beacon - Edition 26 (13th June 2004)

Media Beacon - Edition 27 (20th June 2004)

Media Beacon - Editions 28 (27th June 2004)


PREMIER FM

Ray Jackson on air with live programming from this former oldies pirate station which is about to return with a licence. (22^nd August 2004)

After many years operating as a pirate station, seven years broadcasting as an automated station, and 15 months off air altogether, Dublin oldies station Premier FM returned to air on 94.9Mhz FM on September 18th 2004 as a legitimate temporarily-Licenced service. The station will broadcast to Dublin every weekend until mid-December - serving 30 days in all. This week, we present every single show that went to air on the historic first day of Licenced broadcasting (a selection from day two follows next week).
The line-up was (click on show to listen): Midnight: Greg Townsend; 12.30am Automated; 8am Greg Townsend; 10am Denis Wilson; Midday David Baker; 2pm Garv Rigby; 5pm Strictly '70s with Vincent Hughes; 7pm Mike Williams; 9pm Studio 45 with Gary Matthews (26^th September 2004)

Following on from last week, this is the second day of Licenced broadcasting from Premier FM, featuring every show bar one.
The line-up on Sunday, September 19th 2004 was: Midnight: Ray Jackson; 2am Automated; 8am Derek Jones; 10am Mick Doyle; 12.30pm Ronan B; 2pm Classic Chart Countdown with Stereo Steve; 5pm The Devil's Music with David Baker; 7pm Classic Album with Ray Jackson; 8pm Guest Presenter; 9pm Punk, New Wave & Indie with Greg Townsend; 10.30pm Mick Conlon. (Added October 2004)

A taste of what's in store for the next few weekends for Dublin, Cork, Limerick & Galway listeners with the final two hours of the oldies station's last temporary licence broadcast from 10pm on 94.9MHz FM in Dublin only dated December 19th 2004. (Added March '06)

Premier FM's final hours on-air from their second temporary licence which was a Multi-City service from Dublin - also available in Cork, Galway & Limerick. Recorded in Dublin off 92.1MHz FM on June 18th 2006, this is the final two programmes, both presented by Greg Townsend. (June '06)

Off 92.1MHz FM in Dublin, this is the final hour of broadcast from this weekend oldies service licensed on a temporary basis by the BCI. The station was also available in Cork, Galway & Limerick. (July '07)

PULSE 103

This week we feature an hour which marked the end of an era. After five years this hugely successful Dublin pirate closed to apply for the licence eventually awarded to Spin 1038. The recording starts at 6pm on 30 June 1999 (July '07)

Q102

Early morning programming with Gary Hamill from February 1985, when the station was in its infancy. (19th September 2004)

From 14th July 1985 this is a short snippet of 'Q Gold' with Derek Jones, recorded off the stations 102FM transmitter (10th October 2004).

A short snippet of Gerry Stevens on air on 19th July 1985 (12^th December 2004).

From 27th July 1985 this is a short snippet of Dave Jones on air (January 2005).

Breakfast time on the Q from May 7th 1987 (14^th November 2004)

Dating from 4th July 1987, this is Greg Gaughren, followed by Scott Williams, on air on the afternoon shift (January 2005)

Recorded in Blackpool from their 819kHz transmitter, this is a host of familiar names on air for the Q on 7th July 1987 (25th January 2004)

Programming broadcast between 8am-2.30pm on Monday 9th May 1988 - presented in 4 parts over the coming weeks. (29th February 2004)

From 11th May 1988, this recording from 738kHz AM starts at 7am (23rd May 2004)

This recording dates from 15th May 1988 and features six hours from that day starting at 10.45am - in 4 parts. (13th June 2004)


RADIO ANNABELLE

A recording of this Dublin station from 10th May 1984 (25th April 2004)


RADIO CAROLINE

Recorded on 14th August 1967, the day that the UK ship-based pirates were outlawed, this is most of the day's output (over 6 weeks) from Radio Caroline North off the mv Frederica on 259m. This week's file starts with with the 'Daffy' Don Allen Show and Dave Lee Travis at 9am (From January 2005)

Tony Allan. Fittingly chosen to close down The Lady's analogue satellite service on March 31st 2001 (11th July 2004)


RADIO DIAMOND

From 106.5MHz FM in Dublin, this recording is dated 9th September 1986. ( 15^th August 2004)

RADIO DUBLIN

In this week's feature, Dr Don and Prince Terry with some maniacal programming on 'The Big D' - Radio Dublin - dated 28th December 1975. At this point the station only broadcast on Sunday afternoons, as did a number of other stations. The recording features airchecks from the day, including some 'anorak' recordings! (8th August 2004)

Vintage Dublin radio from New Year's Eve 1977, recorded from 253 metres on the medium wave band.

Recorded on 1188kHz AM and dated from 14th August 1982, this is more vintage unlicensed radio. (13th June 2004)

From 9th May 1984, recorded on 98.5MHz (16th November 2003)

Off 105.5MHz FM this is a recording dating from May 1st 1986 (January 2005).

From January 5th 1989, this is the rebel station on air on 101FM days after the introduction of the Broadcasting Act outlawing pirate stations which forced just about everybody else off air. (Added April '06)

One of the very few pirate stations on air in Dublin at the time of the recording (25 March 90), this is off their 1188kHz transmitter and features some Sunday afternoon programming from John McCarthy & Chris Adams - plus the 'Station News' (22nd February 2004)

Back to April 14th 1991 for this late-night recording of Joe Doyle on what is the best-known pirate station ever to broadcast in this country. (August '06)

On 100.0MHz FM, this is Station News with Eamon Cooke from 20th February 2000. (26^th September 2004)


RADIO KERRY

This recording was taken from the station's 97.0MHz transmitter and dates from November 2nd 2000. It features Sean Crowley on afternoon duties (14th November 2004).

RADIO KILKENNY

Mike Breen, then Eamon McRory on air on 2nd July 2001 for the now-defunct station. (10th October 2004)


RADIO LEINSTER

This recording dates from August 1982 (30th May 2004)


RADIO LIMERICK ONE

From July 2001, this is Gerry Hannon's late-night programme (June 2004)


RADIO LUXEMBOURG

This time we focus on an historical night for European radio when Radio Luxembourg closed its long-running 208MW transmitter to focus on a satellite-delivered platform. The closedown was at 3am on December 30th 1991, and these recordings were made off the Astra satellite and start from 10.10pm the night before. File number 4 runs through the 3am shutdown and, for "authenticity", file 5 is how it sounded on MW.

The files are as follows:-
1: December 29th from 10.10pm
2: December 29th from 11pm
3: December 30th from midnight
4: December 30th from 2am
5: December 30th from 2.20am (off MW) (April 2007)


RADIO NORTH

From 21st June 2003, this is Radio North from Donegal on 846kHz MW (22nd February 2004)


RADIO NOVA

This recording features Andy Archer on air early on Sunday 25th April 1982 on the station's 88.2FM outlet (25th July 2004)

Andy Archer on air on a Saturday morning for this Dublin superpirate. The recording dates from May 15th 1982 and was off 846kHz. (March '07)

Following up last week's Retro in which Andy Archer mentioned the forthcoming Operation Novacare, this week we feature a few hours from that weekend in May 1982 recorded in NW England on 846kHz.
The files are as follows:-
1: Friday May 21st from 6.30pm
2: Saturday May 22nd from 8.45am
3: Saturday May 22nd from 1.05pm
4: Saturday May 22nd from 5.40pm (March '07)

Recorded on 27th October 1982, this is Declan Meehan and Bob Gallico on air, along with some special visitors (December 2003)

Christmas-time programming from Dublin's superpirate with Declan Meehan on air on Bank Holiday Monday 27th December 1982 on 819kHz AM. (Dec '05)

From 4th June 1983, this is Mike Moran on air on a Bank Holiday Saturday morning recorded from the station's 828kHz transmitter (February 2004)

Recorded on 6th June 1983, this recording from the station's 828kHz AM outlet commences at 8am (28th March 2004)

From 24th September 1983, this recording off a temporary 1kW tx on 819AM features John Clarke with Nova Gold on a Sunday afternoon. (June 2004)

This recording is from 23rd January 1984 off 819kHz and made in the NW England. It starts at 7.30am and finishes at 1.45pm. It is presented in five parts over the coming weeks. Part 1 features the Breakfast Show featuring Declan & Bob. (12th September 2004)

This recording is from 25th January 1984 off 819kHz. It starts at 7.10am and finishes at 1.15pm. This is the first of four parts (from January 2005).

Colm Hayes in on a Saturday afternoon, February 4th 1984 (23rd November 2003)

From 20th February 1984 - Breakfast with Declan & Bob (2nd November 2003)

Declan Meehan & Bob Gallico on Breakfast on 17th May 1984 (25th January 2004)

Declan & Bob with their top-rated breakfast show from 8 June 1984 recorded off 738AM (July '07)

What better way to celebrate Christmas than this recording of the one and only Tony Allan from Christmas Day 1984 (19th December 2004).

From July 1985, this is an afternoon of radio gold recorded off 738kHz AM. First Tony McKenzie, then Ric Harris, entertain Dublin and beyond. (Sept '06)

Jessie Brandon follows the last few minutes of a 'Clutter-Free' hour from the afternoon of October 12th 1985. Recorded off the Dublin station's 103.5FM transmitter. (July '06)

Christmas Day 1985 with Tony Allan making listeners jolly... (December '06)

On 254kHz long wave, this is a recording of the short-lived split test service from Radio Nova which was aimed at the UK market. The date is 28th January 1986 and the voice is Chris Barry's. (August 2004)

Gary Hamill on air from 10.30pm on St Patrick's Eve in 1986, just days before the station closed (Added January 2004)

Exactly twenty years ago one of the greatest radio stations that ever played to these islands closed down. This is the final hour, as it went out on 738kHz AM, leading to 6pm on March 19th 1986. (Added March '06)
56k dial-up or with a broadband connection

Listeners tuning to Energy 103 on the morning of 26th November 1987 may have been surprised to hear the station identifying as Radio Nova, and playing jingles from the superpirate which had closed 20 months earlier. Energy and Nova had merged the day before, and this is that first morning's broadcast as Nova, with Cassidy Jones taking over the Breakfast Club from Pat Courtenay (18th April 2004)

Dating from 17th December 1988, this is The Boss on air on the satellite-delivered service for the 'Nova Night Network' (7th March 2004)

RADIO RAINBOW INTERNATIONAL

Recorded from 1521kHz, Cruisin' Solid Gold is one of two programmes as broadcast on the Drogheda station's transmitters on 8th May 1988 (29th February 2004)

This week, recorded from 1521kHz John Deane's free radio news programme is the second of two programmes as broadcast on the Drogheda station's transmitters on 8th May 1988 (Part of 'The Phantom Anorak series - 29th February 2004)


RADIO SANDYMOUNT

From 14th May 1986, this is a sample of true community radio broadcasting and a forerunner to today's 'special event' licenced stations (7^th November 2004)


RADIO STAR COUNTRY

The Monaghan-based Northern Irish-aimed medium wave Country and Irish service on 981kHz from 18th March 2003 (7th December 2003)


RADIO TRALEE

Recorded off 253metres MW from 9.45am on 2nd August 1979, this is Mike Anderson on this Kerry-based station ( November 2004)


RADIO WEST

From Mullingar in Co Westmeath this is Radio West on 765kHz AM from 30th March 1986. Included in the broadcast is the station's first ever 'Anorak' programme. (Dec '05)
56k dial-up or with a broadband connection

The Mullingar-based station's anorak programme as broadcast on the morning of June 22nd 1986. (Added May '06)
56k dial-up or with a broadband connection

This week we sample Radio West's last ever anorak programme featuring Sean Coyne, which was broadcast on 18th December 1988 just as all the nation's pirate stations were about to close (Part of 'The Phantom Anorak series - 14th March 2004)

RAIDIÓ LUIMNI

The last moments of Raidió Luimni which closed down at just after midnight on Christmas Eve back in 1988.

This Limerick station closed on the night of 23 December 1988 - this is a recording from John 'The Man' Frawley's final show on the station, broadcast that morning (21st March 2004)

RED FM

The journey towards Cork picks up pace when the powerful signal on Red FM's 105.7FM transmitter is heard in Tipperary. This recording starts just after 3pm. (Cork Special: 5th September 2004)


RHYTHM FM

A Dublin dance music station which appears irregularly on 105.7MHz. This recording dates from Friday 12th December 2003 (14th December 2003)


ROSCOMMON COMMUNITY RADIO

This is the final broadcast from this midlands station which closed in December 1988. (February 2005)


ROYAL DUBLIN COUNTY RADIO

From November 1983, this Dublin station recording features Dave Barrett and Keith Baron and is off 104.9MHz FM. (27th June 2004)


RTÉ RADIO 1

From April 15th this year, the national broadcaster marks a special anniversary in their programme Seascapes (25th April 2004)

Off 88.5MHz FM, this is Joe Duffy broadcasting live from Dublin city for the nation's most-listened to station on Christmas Eve last (26th December 2004).

Off 88.5MHz FM, this is John Creedon counting down to 2005 from RTÉ Cork's studios (January 2005)

The final 'Late Date' with Val Joyce at the mic. This recording was made off 89.1MHz FM on Friday, September 1st 2006. (Sept '06)

RTÉ 2FM

Mike Moloney on air on a Saturday morning for RTÉ's national pop station - 9th October 1999. (April '07)

Nikki Hayes makes her debut on RTÉ's national pop station. This is The Cruise from 9th November 2003 (16th November 2003)

The national pop channel celebrated 25 years on air with 25 jocks on air for an hour each on 7th June 2004. Damian Farrelly was first up at 7am - this is his hour. (20th June 2004)

The national pop channel celebrated 25 years on air with 25 jocks on air for an hour each on 7th June 2004. Aidan Leonard was the second, he was on air from 8am - this is his hour. (27th June 2004)

The national pop channel celebrated 25 years on air with 25 jocks on air for an hour each on 7th June 2004. On at 9am Michael Cahill was the third - this is his hour (28th November 2004).

The national pop channel celebrated 25 years on air with 25 jocks on air for an hour each on 7th June 2004. William Leahy was in from 10am, this is his hour (December 2004).

The national pop channel celebrated 25 years on air with 25 jocks on air for an hour each on 7th June 2004. The inimitable Gerry Ryan was on air from 11am. This is his show (December 2004).

The national pop channel celebrated 25 years on air with 25 jocks on air for an hour each on 7th June 2004. Relative newcomer Nikki Hayes was on air from midday. This is her contribution (January 2005).

Marty in the Morning from Friday February 23rd - Marty Whelan's final hour for the national station as broadcast on 90.7MHz FM. (February '07)


SIGNAL FM

A Dublin pirate as recorded in Summer 1988 (May 2007)


SOUTH CITY RADIO

Broadcasting from Dublin, this recording on 999kHz dates from July 1982 (May 2004)


SOUTH COAST RADIO

Cork's superpirate from 29th October 1982 with Keith Yorke & Nick Richards on air. Recorded from 103FM, despite the station announcing 104FM (14th December 2003)


SOUTH EAST RADIO

From 2nd July 2001, this is a sample of Wexford's local station (February 2005)

Alan Corcoran's Saturday night show on the Wexford station, recorded off their 95.6FM transmitter on 1st May 2004 (9th May 2004)


SPACE FM

From 8th October 2004, this recording of Dublin's retro dance station starts at 9.50pm and is recorded off their 99.4FM transmitter. (21st November 2003)


SPIN 1038

Spin Shift with Nikki Hayes from Wednesday 5th November 2003 (9th November 2003)


SPIN SOUTH WEST

The launch hour from the newest station in Ireland. The recording starts at the end of test transmissions on 23 July 2007. (July '07)

SUGAR FM

A new Dublin station, with some old familiar voices, is this week's feature. This is Elaine Kane's return to air from Sunday 1st February at 7.45pm (8th February 2004)

Dublin's new music station finally launched on 92.0MHz FM on Monday March 1st 2004, and most of the presenters were in studio for the occasion. This is the first night of 'official' live broadcasting, which commenced at 9.20pm (7th March 2004)

From 91.0MHz in Dublin, this recording features Rob Brady on air on 8th July 2004 (18th July 2004)

SUNSHINE RADIO

Back in time to the Dublin superpirate era this week with a Sunday afternoon recording of John Lewis off 531kHz AM. It dates from midday on August 15th 1982. (October 2005)

From October 1982 featuring Martin King and Peter Madison on air on 100.5MHz (7th December 2003)

More from Peter Madison on air on 27th October 1982 on 100.5FM (28th December 2003)

From 28th October 1982, this recording of the Dublin superpirate is taken from 100.5MHz FM and features David Dennehy wrapping up his show and John Lewis on overnight duties.

From October 1982 featuring Martin King and Peter Madison on air on 100.5MHz (August '06)

Robbie Dale on air on 9th April 1984 on 100.5FM (8th February 2004)

From May 1984 this is overnight programming from one of Dublin's superprates off MW featuring Paul Vincent. (3^rd July 2005)

Another chance to sample the hugely popular 'Hot Hits' format pioneered in this country by Sunshine 101. This recording dates from 24th February 1987 and starts at 6.15pm (October 2003)

Recorded late in the evening on 24th February 1987 (16th November 2003)

This recording dates from 25th February 1987 (18th January 2004)


TALLAGHT COMMUNITY RADIO

From 1359kHz, this recording of the now licensed Tallaght FM's forerunner dates from 26th February 1987 (28th December 2003)


TCR 107.2

Nowadays known as Tallaght FM, this Dublin community radio station recording of John Westwood's programme 'The Pulse' dates from August 1st 2000 (1st August 2004)


TELSTAR RADIO

This recording of the Dundalk station dates from August 1982 and features Eamon Doyle on air (June 2004)

*From Co Louth, this is a recording of Telstar Radio from 18th December 1982, recorded off their 1197kHz AM. (November 05)

THE ROCK

The first live programme from the brand new weekend only station broadcasting to the Leinster area on FM & MW. This is Kevin Branigan on air for The Rock on 28 September 2007, and this recording also features the first Irish radio contribution from Pat Courtenay for more than a decade. (September '07)

THE VIBE

Dated from January 2003 this is a recording of Dave C on air on this short-lived Dublin pirate which broadcast on 99.1MHz FM. (August 2005)

TIPP FM

A sampler of some of Andrew Looby's wind-up phone-calls on Tipp FM (25th July 2004)

John Keane on air on the Licenced station for Co Tipperary. This recording dates from July 2nd 2001 (7^th November 2004)

Dated from 4th September 2004 and recorded off their 103.9FM transmitter, this is some Saturday night programming from the Premier County (February 2005)

TIPP MID WEST RADIO

This recording dates from 4th September 2004 and was recorded off 104.8MHz FM. (January 2005)

Recorded off 104.8MHz FM on a summer Sunday evening last year, this is Chrissie Dunne on Tipperary Mid West Community Radio from 11.15pm (July '07)

TODAY FM

Ian Dempsey with a sample of Today FM's Breakfast Show from 16th November 1999 (15th February 2004)

The third hour (soon to be taken away) of Ian Dempsey's Breakfast Show from the morning of 13th September 2000. (22^nd August 2004)

A sample from the independent national broadcaster's Top 40 Show presented by Tim Kelly on 14th December 2003 (30th May 2004)

From Christmas Eve last year, this is Bob Conway on the national licenced station (19th December 2004).

Tony Fenton is back on the radio. This is his first hour on air for the independent national station, recorded off 100.3MHz FM on 10th April 2004 at 11am (11th April 2004)

The last hour of Ray D'Arcy's morning show as broadcast January 31st 2005. (August 2005)

TREBLE TR

On 99.5MHz in Dublin from 8th May 1984. This recording features Christina, who is followed by Shay Eustace (November 2003)

Morning-time programming from this Dublin station, recorded from 99.5MHz FM on 1st November 1983. (July 2004)

Back in time to 1985 and a sample of Dublin's Treble TR recorded off 99.5MHz FM. (July 2006)

WABC

Paul Barrett on air on 18th December 1988 for this Dublin station which broadcast on 106.4MHz. (Added October 2004)


WABC GOLD

From Donegal this is Paul Bentley live on the mid-morning programme on the Gold station from the WABC network broadcasting on 101.2MHz on June 10th 1990. (Added July '06)


WEST COAST RADIO

On 1143kHz from Sligo, this recording was made on 24th January 1987 (21st December 2003)


WEST NATIONAL RADIO 3

Also known as Radio West, this recording from the Midlands-based station dates from 5th December 1987 (1st February 2004)


WIRED FM

A November 2001 sample of Limerick student station Wired FM from their 96.8FM outlet with the programme 'Sports Weekly' (14th March 2004)


WKLR

This Cork station closed in the early hours of 31st December 1988 in order to apply for a licence. This is the final broadcast (18th July 2004)


WLBC

Countywide" WLCB (Wicklow Local Community Broadcasting) on 1602kHz AM (May 2007)

WXTC

This recording is dated from 10th February 2001 when this short-lived Radio Caroline Dublin follow-up station were available on 91.6MHz FM (12th December 2004)

XFM

A recording from Dublin's alternative music station, as broadcast on 107.9MHz, dated from 26th July 2003 (29th February 2004)


X-FM

Approaching, and in, Cork city all the stations were now audible. This recording features X-FM on 104.0MHz. (Cork Special: 5th September 2004)


THE PHANTOM ANORAK

This week, to launch Anorak Audio - a new section on Radiowaves - Phantom Anorak features 3 recordings.
First, in December 1988 as the country's unlicensed community prepared to wind down, on RADIO DUBLIN Gerry Marsden spoke with Radio Nova supremo Chris Cary, and the recording joins the interview as he spoke of his plans for the future and did some reminiscing about his time based in Ireland.
Next there's a snippet of Ballyfermot station SMILE FM's Anorak show from 4th December 1988. This offers the chance to hear a bandscan at the time of a fascinating period in Irish radio history.
The final clip features an angry Joe Doyle on the last ever 'Station News' from I.C.E. FM - a tradition (in the sense of both programming and anger!) carried over from the infamous 'Captain's News' broadcasts on Radio Dublin.

Phantom FM's temporary licence has expired which means that Media Beacon is off the air, but each week there'll be a selection of specialist material of anorak interest to fill the void.

This week there's a sample of Dance FM which broadcasts to the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus on 95.5MHz (7th March 2004)

Tony Allan on ARD in 1979. Extracted from Leon Tippler's 'Irish Pirates' documentary series (11th July 2004)

Eamon Cooke talking about Radio Dublin and radio in general on Radio Nova's news magazine programme 'Dublin Today'. The interview was aired on 1st July 1982, Nova's first birthday on which they received an unwelcome present from RTÉ...(18th July 2004)

Phantom FM's Anorak Hour features this week. This show dates from 30th January 2000.

Radio from abroad features this week, specifically from Chicago in the United States. This recording comes from 'The Loop' - WLUP on 97.9MHz FM and dates from 28th August 2003. ( 15^th August 2004)

More radio from abroad, this time from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The featured station is Plus 106 and the recording dates from 5th November 2003 (22^nd August 2004)

BAYRAK INTERNATIONAL: This week we return to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus for an FM sample of a local station dated 7th November 2003.

LASER 558: Offshore radio which took London (in particular) by storm in the mid-'80s. From August 1985 this is Charlie Wolf at the start of what became known as 'Eurosiege' (5^th December 2004).

The Laser 558 Story (in 4 parts from 12th December 2004)

LASER HOT HITS: International shortwave radio from 1999 features this week. This sample features Nigel James.

RADIO SIX: Tony Currie presents 'Jingles All The Way' on Scotland's Radio Six.

NEW GIRLS ON THE BLOCK - This week Radio Retro features three exceptional female talents making station debuts that marked a major step forward in their respective careers.

Nikki Hayes started life as a youngster on a small local pirate station. Later, following the closedown of Bray's Passion FM in 2000, she went legal with a job in East Coast Radio. Dublin's youth station Spin 1038 launched in 2002 and Nikki was one of the first to join. In 2003 her 'dream came true' when she joined RTÉ 2FM full-time, following a stint sitting in for Aidan Leonard on his Sunday 'Cruise' programme. She has slotted in perfectly at 2FM and there is no doubt that she will continue to rise. This recording features that first 'Sunday Cruise' and was broadcast on December 9th 2003.

Tracey Lee has been entertaining radio audiences since the age of 13. She is best remembered for her time on Sunset FM, the pioneering '90s Dublin pirate, and from there she ended up on Wexford's South East Radio where a very enjoyable eight years comes to an end when she finishes up on the breakfast slot at the end of this month. She made her national debut on Today FM in the summer, and is now joining the station exclusively in a move which she sees as "a perfect vehicle" to further her career. She has slotted in perfectly at Today FM where it sounds like she's been a 'national' natural for years. This recording features her first appearance on Today FM on July 8th 2005 with 'Nothing But '90s'.

Adrienne O'Hora, a new emerging talent and definitely one to watch, made her debut on Louth/Meath's LMFM Radio last Friday evening. She was just 15 when she first appeared on Beaumont Radio and has also previously worked with the now defunct Dublin dance pirates City FM & Hot FM. She was born with a voice for radio and she's got a very bright future ahead of her. This recording is taken from her debut appearance on LMFM.
(October 2005)