Phantom’s lineage is, understandably made much of in its proposal to the BCI. The company behind Phantom FM is called Wireless Media Limited. Most of the shareholders have prior involvement in running and presenting Phantom FM. Simon Maher, Director of Wireless Media, is a founder member of the station and is proposed Station Manager. Gerard Roe, another founder member, is proposed Chief Executive Officer. Their programming strategy is well researched. It includes the years of audience feedback produced by the station as well as web based interaction with listeners. The website is very comprehensive.
At first glance Phantom’s advantage over Zed FM might seem big. But Zed FM is enthusiastic. Their pitch to the BCI covers every angle thrown up by requirements and then some. While Phantom FM talks about what they’ve already been doing, Zed FM talk about building an alternative rock station. They reiterate time and again in their application their strong desire to overcome the radio Jock and replace him with someone more real, more at home with themselves and the audience. Someone, they say, more intelligent. “The presentation style will offer an alternative to the smooth and sometimes over-hyped approach of classic hits and chart stations. It is our intention to cultivate real voices.”
Zed FM promise their senior management will be made up of highly experienced radio professionals. However, their “ethos and the mission” is to employ staff with little or no direct radio experience: “As part of it’s ethos Zed FM will rely heavily on young and inexperienced personnel.” There will be “on the job training”; UK company Hallett Arendt will run a development programme involving sales, marketing and programming. Both companies propose liaising with different colleges in Dublin including DIT, DCU and Colaiste Dhulaigh.
Phantom FM propose an arrangement for news from Today FM, with the rest of their current affairs content broken up into bite size 5-10 minute slots throughout the day. Zed FM’s current affairs content is proposed with enthusiasm and flair in concentrated slots such as “The Voice”(see below). Both stations are committed to fostering new Irish
talent – playing unsigned bands as well as better known ones and sponsoring gigs and events connected to their output.
Both say their market is above average intelligence. Whilst they admit they are young they don’t rule out more elderly rockers – presumably because this is the type of music some of the older board members still listen to. Zed FM’s board includes Dermot Hanrahan, previously from FM 104 and a former board member of the now thriving Newstalk 106.
Zed’s rock lineage comes in part from Niall Stokes, owner of Hot Press magazine. Music Promoters Peter and Jim Aiken are also on board. Interestingly, Zed FM have ruled in the possibility of offering positions to those who may have been involved with other applicant groups, leaving the door open for Phantom FM workers.
A decision from the BCI is anticipated before its Broadcasting Conference on the 17th November.
