Communicorp – the group attempting to purchase three Irish radio stations from Emap has hit a problem trying to purchase Dublin's FM104. The BCI has blocked the move because Denis O'Brien's group already owns 98FM and Spin 103.8 in the area.
The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland approved the take-over of Today FM and Highland Radio from Emap, but approval still needs to be sought from the Competition Authority and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment until any deal is done.
The three stations in question are still owned by Emap, who are looking at selling all their radio stations. Sources close to Emap have told RadioToday.co.uk it is only a matter of time before most radio assets of the company are sold to Charles Allen's Global Radio.