Emap has been given the go-ahead to sell Today FM by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland. Under current law, the BCI requests that the onwership of a new licence does not change hands within two years of being granted. Today FM was awarded a ten year broadcast licence in February 2006.
At its meeting on the 21st May, the Commission agreed in principle to waive the two year moratorium requirement as requested. They said: "Having had regard to a number of issues including; there was no other applicant for the licence; Emap’s track record to date in the control and operation of its Irish radio interests, including Today FM; the Irish radio services held by Emap continued to be managed from Ireland and under Irish management since their acquisition and; the uncertainty which delay could create for staff of Today FM and, potentially the other stations involved in the sale.
Emap will now sell Today FM along with FM104 in Dublin and Highland Radio in Donegal. Industry insiders believe UTV will be first to put in an offer for the market leading stations.
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