specialist radio association?

Rockiemalt

http://www.sraireland.com/
just came across this website today and wondered what any of the phantom people think or have they heard of it or just any comments at all?

Ger Roe

Hi Rockiemalt.

The SRA was formed in the summer and it has submitted a detailed document to the Minister for Communications and the BCI suggesting business plan proposals for small scale 'niche market' radio stations in Ireland. The document is on the SRA site and is worth reading.

Several Phantom representatives were involved in preparing the document and the SRA steering committee meets on a regular basis to discuss developments in the independent radio sector with a view to highlighting the lack of diversity on the airwaves both in terms of programming choice and station ownership.

The group consists of like minded individuals with an interest in the further development of the irish radio industry through increased 'open market' competition.

Ger Roe

Rockiemalt

Thanks.
its great it was set up.
Do you think submitting the documnet had any influence on the bci in awarding phantom the temporary broadcasting licence?

Ger Roe

I don't think that the SRA document had any particular part to play in the awarding of our temporary licence. I think we have proven our point and commitment a long time ago and a temp licence was one of the very few options open to us in present circumstances.

The document states principles that we have held since we started out on this particular adventure. The BCI have been aware of our arguments since we first documented them in our 1999 licence application. At that time no one else understood the idea of a small scale niche focused service.

Now everyone does, and the race is on to see who can best replicate Phantom for their own licence application. The downsize and re-structure of Dublin's Country 106.8 has proven our belief that truly specialist stations have to be run on a commercial scale that is appropriate for their niche market appeal. There are some very big players at home and abroad now joining the queue and it's a source of major frustration to us that when we first proposed the business model, no one else actually wanted to do it and we stood alone to argue our case.

If it was any other industry we would be operating properly for the past four years with the commercial advantage of identifying and developing the market before anyone else woke up to it. Right now the idea is being touted by all and sundry as the most obvious radio market segment to be developed next.

Sometimes life just ain't fair but you have to keep hammering away.

Ger Roe.

Rockiemalt

thanks. all very interesting.
One of you Phantom people should turn into a manipulating spy and get a job in the BCI!