CLARE FM has been awarded a new sound broadcasting contract by Coimisiún na Meán.
Five local radio stations have signed new ten year contracts between August and December 2023, following licensing processes commenced by An Coimisiún’s predecessor, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. These stations include Clare FM, Galway Bay FM, LMFM, Midwest Radio and WLR FM.
Operated by Clare Community Radio Holdings Plc, Clare FM signed its new contract with Coimisiún na Meán on December 19th. Clare FM has over 52,000 weekly listeners.
Dreamglade Limited have the biggest share in Clare Community Radio Holdings Plc with a 47.66 percent ownership stake. Both Gael Linn Ltd and Kerry Foods have a 9.2 percent share with other shareholders including Anthony Galvin, the Killaloe Diocese, Karen Brogan, Mary Evans, David Galvin, Leo Mangan, John Galvin, Mary Hanrahan, Antoin O’Looney, Atticlogh Nominees Limited, Clare Marts, Caimin Jones, Pat MacCarthy, Dermot McMahon, Peg Cleary, Michael Mulqueeny and Pat Fitzgerald. A final 25.7 percent of shares are split among 500 plus shareholders all with sub-1% individual shareholdings.
Coimisiún na Meán is Ireland’s new commission for regulating broadcasters, on-demand services and online media, and supporting media development. Established in March 2023 under the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022, it builds on the work of its predecessor, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. It is responsible for ensuring and maintaining a thriving and diverse media landscape in Ireland that facilitates a mix of voices, opinions and sources of news and current affairs, as well as a safe online environment.
Its responsibilities are to oversee the regulation of broadcasting and video-on-demand services, oversee the funding of and support the development of the wider media sector in Ireland and develop and enforce the Irish regulatory regime for online safety.
Broadcasting Commissioner, Celene Craig said, “Coimisiún na Meán is delighted to have entered into new 10-year contracts with these broadcasters, all of whom have been delivering to listeners in their respective franchise areas a diverse range of high-quality local content that both entertains and informs. I wish each station every success during their new contract term”.
She commented, “An Coimisiún is committed to helping maintain a diversity of services and range of service options for radio listeners across Ireland and looks forward to continuing its licensing activities in the new year”.
At midday on 10th September 1989, Ger Sweeney was the first voice heard on Clare FM as he introduced Jon Kenny’s reggae version of ‘Spancil Hill’ beginning a new era of broadcasting in the county.
