After eight years spent revelling in the outer fields of legal legitimacy, former pirate radio station Phantom yesterday went on air for the first time since finally securing a broadcast licence.
Operating out of a studio on Dublin's North Wall Quay with some 30 full-time staff, and aimed at the city's 18-35 age group, Phantom 105.2 ushered itself into legal being at midday with The Smashing Pumpkins's Today - nominated by listeners online - and veteran DJs Sinister Pete and Simon Maher.
"We're thrilled to finally be on air, giving Dublin listeners a real rock alternative as well as a great mix of old favourites and new voices in our presenters.
"We have always prided ourselves on listening to our audience and our dynamic schedule reflects this," said chief executive Ger Roe.
Themed nights are a central feature of the new schedule, with each evening dedicated to a different genre of music including heavy metal, new Irish and international music, Goth, industrial and dark wave.
Weekends will host other specialist programmes, including a general arts and entertainment show and a broadcast media show. Its emphasis on unsigned Irish bands will be maintained.
Phantom began operating as a pirate station out of tiny premises in Dublin's Wexford Street in 1998 and was staffed entirely by volunteers.