Sir, - Fintan Clancy (July 22nd) provokes a number of interesting thoughts. While the issue of new radio licences is always to be welcomed, the fact that in this particular instance the type of stations to be licensed has to a large extent been predetermined only serves to fuel the impression that for too long the regulatory authorities have continued to restrict competition and deny the listening public a genuine choice. At the end of the current process there will be a large number of disappointed applicants, most of whom will have submitted well researched and costed proposals. Added to this are numerous groups and organisations such as ourselves who have not applied simply because we do not fit the niche or feel that the red tape and administrative hassle involved in complying with IRTC dictates makes it hardly worth while.
It may also be worth noting that in large US cities such as New York it is not unusual for 50 or more local stations to be operating at any given time, proving that with efficient and effective management of the FM band there is plenty of room for all comers.
Perhaps the time has now come for us to remove the straightjacket and seriously consider the option of deregulation? - Yours, etc.,
Ray Jackson, General Manager, Premier FM 92.6, Dublin 4.