Coimisiún na Meán signs new sound broadcasting contracts 

Coimisiún na Meán has announced the award of new sound broadcasting contracts for local broad-format radio services, serving listeners in counties Galway, Louth and Meath, Mayo, Waterford, and Clare. The stations are: 

• Galway Bay FM  
• LMFM 
• Midwest Radio  
• WLR FM  
• Clare FM 

Each of the broadcasters signed new 10-year contracts between August and December 2023, following licensing processes commenced by An Coimisiún’s predecessor, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.    

Commenting, 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.” 

“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.” 

ENDS 

Media Contact Coimisiún na Meán: Síona Cahill / Joanne Ahern, DHR Communications. Tel: 087-753 0255 / 087-9881837 

Notes for Editors: 

• Galway Bay FM is operated by Western Community Broadcasting Services Limited and signed its new contract on 10^th August 2023. 
• LMFM is operated by the Independent Broadcasting Corporation Limited and signed its new contract on 16^th October 2023. 
• Midwest Radio is operated by County Mayo Radio Limited and signed its new contract on 23^rd October 2023. 
• WLR FM is operated by South East Broadcasting Company Limited and signed its new contract on the 6^th December 2023. 
• Clare FM is operated by Clare Community Radio Holdings Plc and signed its new contract on 19^th December 2023. 

About Coimisiún na Meán: 

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. 
• Develop and enforce the Irish regulatory regime for online safety.