Lots happens in the radio industry each week so here’s a summary of the week we just enjoyed.
Here’s What Happened
Beat 102 103 in the south east is set to be acquired by Bauer, following The Irish Times agreeing to sell their 75% slice of the business.
The Irish Times took a stake in the business 6 years ago when they Bought Landmark Media Group. They also hold a majority stake in WLR, which isn’t included in the Bauer deal.
The playbook is well established by now. Assuming no pushback from the CCPC, Beat will be integrated into the GoLoud network, and will then begin participating in the Cash Machine. Outside of that however there are still questions.
After the deal, Bauer will be the operator of every significant youth music service. Unless they went after Wireless group they have no other players to acquire. Talk of brand consolidation started quickly after the announcement, as now it makes sense for Bauer to start bringing their portfolio together.
98FM and Red FM recently got joined up branding, so IRadio and beat will be outliers. Some have suggested the Hits Radio brand may enter the Irish Market, but it’s also very possible that Bauer will simply expand the spin brand.
It’s a wild time for radio, but realistically it’s now the plans can be put in place for the inevitable big rebranding.
After the deal closes, Bauer will own Today FM, Newstalk, Spin 1038, Spin South West, Iradio, 98FM, Red FM, Beat 102 103, Off The Ball, GoLoud, Rayo, Media Central, and Audio XI. Through Media Central they assist Classic Hits Radio with advertising, and they also supply the news wire to all independent radio stations. Crazy stuff.
Do you think we’ll see Spin Southeast soon? Let us know on our Instagram story. Just search Radio Land Ireland.
Raidió Rí-Rá was on air over the bank holiday weekend, in an attempt to prove that they’re ready to provide a full national service.
The station aired chart shows, talk shows and alternative music shows, and they seem to feel ready to take on the challenge of becoming a full service broadcaster.
This would be a huge move as we haven’t had a new broadcaster hit the air full time in years. Raidió Rí-Rá currently has 3 full time staff which would obviously need to expand, but they are heading in the right direction.
Exciting times ahead for sure. Maybe Bauer will have bought them by the time the year is out., time will tell. Text airgead to 57557 for your chance to win big on the Rí-Rá Cash Machine? I dare not think such thoughts.
Finally for now, the Today FM big busk for Focus Ireland is back.
The event will take place around the country on Friday the 12th of April, buskers are being encouraged to sign up and help raise funds to support the Focus Ireland fight against homelessness.
“We are so excited for The Big Busk for Focus Ireland; it’s going to be the best one yet! All of us in Today FM have a big circle around Big Busk date on April 12th on our calendars, and we want you to mark off this date as well!”
Louise Cantillon
I love when radio is used for good like this, so well done to everyone involved.
Quick Bits
Radio Nova are making Spotify playlists now. Interesting for a radio station
The Indo Daily is up for 2 awards in New York
Lots happens in the radio industry each week so here’s a summary of the week we just enjoyed.