The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has decided to fast-track the licensing process for 12 local radio services after receiving one expression of interest for each of the services under renewal. The contract awards committee met yesterday to consider the expressions of interest and decided not to reopen the licences for competition.

The licences up for renewal are those currently broadcast as 98FM, FM104, Galway Bay FM, LMFM, East Coast Radio, Mid West Radio, South East Radio, WLR FM, Clare FM, Tipp FM, Shannonside and Northern Sound, the latter two operating under a single contract.

It is understood each service reapplied for its licence, although in some cases there may be a change in the ownership and control. No other expressions of interest were received, the lack of interest likely to reflect the tough commercial environment for local radio services.

The licences held by the owners of these stations are due to expire between July and November 2013. This is the first stage of the BAI’s commercial radio licensing round for 2012-2013, with a further 12 services due for renewal.