Caroline : Exploring AM from Ireland?

Ger Roe

I have been listening to Radio Caroline, broadcasting live from The Ross Revenge this weekend, for their annual fundraising event.

In explaining that the money raised will be divided between restoration plans for the ship and expansion of broadcasting options, Ray Clark mentioned yesterday that they were looking at using a former AM installation in southern Ireland as a new outlet. Assuming it would have to be an already fully approved site where could it be … the 10KW Spirit AM in Monaghan?

dxhound2005

The only format that would work is Country 'n' Irish combined with Bible preachers. It's no coincidence that the two existing Medium Wave stations in "Southern" Ireland are in Monaghan and Donegal, both with that format. With coverage into the North which is their main advertising market.

TheBMG

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058421681/caroline-exploring-am-from-ireland

Would it be as a pirate station? I can just imagine the emails between Comreg and Ofcom 😅.

Surely DAB would be an easier, more popular and less expensive option? And yes, I do appreciate the magic of AM radio.

Jim_Hodge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123711195#Comment_123711195

Caroline and Caroline Flashback are already on DAB in NI and is picked up in border counties.

TheBMG

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123711231#Comment_123711231

wonder if there’s any space left on FailteDAB? Or could they ask permission to use Lisnagarvey in NI?

thejuggler

Are there any other AM sites capable of being reactivated ? Athlone or Tullamore? The masts at Trim and Mahon were demolished in the last year or so

Infoanon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123723718#Comment_123723718

The Spirit site , it should of course be on air but that's another story....., licenced for 25kw ??

Orban6

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123723718#Comment_123723718

No is the simple reply. Athlone only has one mast and it utilised for other stuff. Tullamore was demolished.

Orban6

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123723727#Comment_123723727

The Spirit site was, I think, licenced for 50kW. Can't see it ever being on air again.

tinytobe

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123730060#Comment_123730060

AM is simply too expensive and too few listeners, except radio enthusiasts. However I do like the lure of AM as I like the warm sound AM radio has. Unfortunately AM, no matter if MW or LW is to be retired permanently. I suggest by 2030 they will all be off air in the whole of the EU / UK as well.