08/03/2005
UTV wins licence for new Belfast radio station
Communications regulator Ofcom has awarded UTV the new Belfast FM radio station broadcasting licence.
The U105 station, which will be operational early next year, is expected to create 30 new jobs.
The station will broadcast a mix of material, mostly talk and music, aimed at the over 45-age bracket directly to the Greater Belfast area and will also be available on the Freeview digital TV platform.
John Rosborough, Managing Director, U105 said: “This is excellent news for listeners over 45 which our research showed would welcome a station that combined stimulating topical speech with a wide choice of quality music from the 60’s right through to the present day. U105 will complement the existing local commercial stations and provide a strong alternative to BBC Radio Ulster.
“We look forward to a busy time ahead and to turning our proposals into a sound reality. U105 will be entirely locally produced and presented, creating more than 30 new jobs. While it will have a dedicated management and staff team, we can also draw upon the expertise and resources of the UTV group.”
John McCann, Group Chief Executive, UTV said: “UTV has a demonstrable track record in providing successful local television and radio services. U105 will be part of this long-established, successful media group, operating to the highest standards of public company governance and regulatory compliance, with a strong balance sheet and a track record of excellent financial performance.”
U105 will broadcast on 105.1 FM to Belfast and the surrounding area, and on the Freeview digital TV platform to all of Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the marketing of the new station Roy Bailie, Chairman of U105, said: "Seven out of ten listeners in this age group do not currently listen to local commercial radio, and we plan to change that with U105, which aims to be on air by early 2006.
“The radio station will inherit immediately the brand strength of UTV which our research revealed will enhance early take-up and drive listener loyalty. Our plans include a substantial marketing budget of more than £2 million to ensure U105 has a high profile and widespread awareness in its formative years.”
Yesterday, UTV announced 2004 pre-tax profits were up 28%. A rise attributed to a substantial increase in advertising spending in a market that had been flat in previous years.
(SP/MB)
The U105 station, which will be operational early next year, is expected to create 30 new jobs.
The station will broadcast a mix of material, mostly talk and music, aimed at the over 45-age bracket directly to the Greater Belfast area and will also be available on the Freeview digital TV platform.
John Rosborough, Managing Director, U105 said: “This is excellent news for listeners over 45 which our research showed would welcome a station that combined stimulating topical speech with a wide choice of quality music from the 60’s right through to the present day. U105 will complement the existing local commercial stations and provide a strong alternative to BBC Radio Ulster.
“We look forward to a busy time ahead and to turning our proposals into a sound reality. U105 will be entirely locally produced and presented, creating more than 30 new jobs. While it will have a dedicated management and staff team, we can also draw upon the expertise and resources of the UTV group.”
John McCann, Group Chief Executive, UTV said: “UTV has a demonstrable track record in providing successful local television and radio services. U105 will be part of this long-established, successful media group, operating to the highest standards of public company governance and regulatory compliance, with a strong balance sheet and a track record of excellent financial performance.”
U105 will broadcast on 105.1 FM to Belfast and the surrounding area, and on the Freeview digital TV platform to all of Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the marketing of the new station Roy Bailie, Chairman of U105, said: "Seven out of ten listeners in this age group do not currently listen to local commercial radio, and we plan to change that with U105, which aims to be on air by early 2006.
“The radio station will inherit immediately the brand strength of UTV which our research revealed will enhance early take-up and drive listener loyalty. Our plans include a substantial marketing budget of more than £2 million to ensure U105 has a high profile and widespread awareness in its formative years.”
Yesterday, UTV announced 2004 pre-tax profits were up 28%. A rise attributed to a substantial increase in advertising spending in a market that had been flat in previous years.
(SP/MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 October 2008
Lynda Bryans Leaves U105
Popular local personality Lynda Bryans has lost her lunchtime slot on U105, it has been revealed. The UTV Live anchorwoman has been told her contract with the radio station will not be renewed, and will instead by replaced by former-SuS presenter Carolyn Stewart.
Lynda Bryans Leaves U105
Popular local personality Lynda Bryans has lost her lunchtime slot on U105, it has been revealed. The UTV Live anchorwoman has been told her contract with the radio station will not be renewed, and will instead by replaced by former-SuS presenter Carolyn Stewart.
15 July 2003
Israeli radio says Belfast man's arrest was a 'mistake'
An Israeli radio station has reported that the arrest of a Northern Ireland man by security forces was a "mistake". The radio station, the Voice of Israel external service in Jerusalem, reported that the arrest of west Belfast man Seán O Muireagáin could be a "case of mistaken identity".
Israeli radio says Belfast man's arrest was a 'mistake'
An Israeli radio station has reported that the arrest of a Northern Ireland man by security forces was a "mistake". The radio station, the Voice of Israel external service in Jerusalem, reported that the arrest of west Belfast man Seán O Muireagáin could be a "case of mistaken identity".
15 January 2008
Commended Teen Film Critic Gets Media Opportunity
A teenage film critic who has impressed judges in a review competition - linked to a fast growing UK regional film festival – is to begin work experience in a local radio station.
Commended Teen Film Critic Gets Media Opportunity
A teenage film critic who has impressed judges in a review competition - linked to a fast growing UK regional film festival – is to begin work experience in a local radio station.
26 January 2010
Radio Foyle Changes 'Will Enhance Service'
Listeners in the North West are set to receive a 'refreshed' schedule on the local BBC Radio Foyle.
Radio Foyle Changes 'Will Enhance Service'
Listeners in the North West are set to receive a 'refreshed' schedule on the local BBC Radio Foyle.
02 December 2015
New Police Station Opens In Co Down
A new police station in Downpatrick, Co Down, has officially opened. The new station was developed to replace the Irish Street PSNI Station. The new Downpatrick PSNI Station is located on the northwest corner of the old Downshire Hospital on the Ardglass Road.
New Police Station Opens In Co Down
A new police station in Downpatrick, Co Down, has officially opened. The new station was developed to replace the Irish Street PSNI Station. The new Downpatrick PSNI Station is located on the northwest corner of the old Downshire Hospital on the Ardglass Road.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.