The backers of Radio NOVA have received a temporary licence from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland to operate ‘classic rock’ radio station for the urban areas outside the Dublin Commuter Belt. The pilot licence will operate for a period of three weeks from Monday September 14th and will broadcast to Cork, Limerick, Galway, Kilkenny and North Meath/Louth, including Drogheda and Dundalk.
The pilot radio station will be called ‘The Rock’ and will broadcast a diet of rock music from the 1960s to the current day. It is the second such time that the backers of NOVA have run a pilot for these areas, the first being in Spring 2013, when The Rock broadcast to Cork, Limerick & Galway for 8 weeks. The purpose of the pilot licence is to assess the demand for a classic rock radio service in the urban areas outside Dublin Commuter Belt and research the impact that such a service would have on the broadcast areas concerned.
Spokesperson for The Rock, Elaine Leonard, said, “This is the second time The Rock has broadcast to Cork, Limerick and Galway and we’re really pleased to be adding Kilkenny, Waterford, North Meath and Louth this time around. There is no service remotely like The Rock on air in these areas so we look forward to providing three weeks of great music and adding diversity to the radio services available to the people within them”.
NOVA has been vocal in recent times about its desire for its franchise area to be extended to cover other parts of the country. It currently broadcasts to Dublin city, county and commuter belt (Kildare, Meath & Wicklow) but has expressed ambitions to bring its rock music service to other parts of the country.
The Rock commences broadcasting on September 14th. The station will release its list of FM frequencies over the coming days on its website: www.therock.ie
Thanks so much for this. We NEED this station. I mean seriously, other than the news I NEVER turn on the radio, NEVER. The “music” being touted on all the major and minor stations is beyond dreadful. Now, look, I’m not stupid. I know that not everyone is into Rock. But…if grown, I see this being a very viable and presumably lucrative project. In fairness, bills need paying! Please, please keep this station on the air. There are 1000’s of folks…yes 1000’s in this country who love this sort of music and WILL tune in if they hear about it. I only came upon it by a slip on the dial of my car! Where is the promotion/advertising??? Get it out there!!! I’ve shared on Facebook, but seriously, up the ante guys!!! I have a qualifications in Radio Broadcast Programming/Sociology/Marketing/ and History if anyone needs me, and a contact in the BBC!
Keep up the good work folks. (No, I’m not going to say something totally cheasey like “Rock On”…vom!)
All the best,
Ronan.
I think The Rock is a great idea. Keep it going!
I think this station is a breath of fresh air. I came across it by accident on Monday night and haven’t changed station yet.
I am a taxi driver and am recommending it to all my passengers.
Excellent music
Thanks
Liam
Please, Please, Please keep this radio station going. It is amazing to hear such a good selection of music on one station. Every other station is rubbish in comparison!
Cant believe it,,just tuned in my radio to find this great new station playing terrific music! And its closing down tonight!!!!!
Please come back permanently,,and soon.
Dave
Miss The Rock already you guys.Only a few hours left now to the end of temporary license.Absolutely loved it over the last few weeks.
It was so cool to just turn on the radio down here and hear some Real Music for a change. Come back to us ASAP. Thanks Guys.
Really enjoyed the station while it lasted. I have no doubt a classic rock station is commercially viable in this country.
As mentioned above, this station is badly needed nationwide! There are plenty of people of all age groups who will listen to a station like this. Sadly, the genre is not sufficiently catered for by other stations anymore. Best of luck with it all. Rgds, Dave.