The battle for the airwaves of Donegal reached fever pitch today as the two consortiums looking for the license submitted their proposals.
Both Highland Radio and the newly named DLFM presented their applications to the Broadcasting Association of Ireland
DLFM have promised to shake up the local airwaves with a brand new format described as “Local, first”.
But Highland have hit back with the backing of some of Donegal heavyweights including Daniel O’Donnell, Sir Gerry Robinson and Brian Friel.
Commenting today after submitting the application in Dublin, Charlie Collins of the new consortium said he was “delighted” with the support the group have received.
“We have been working on this for many months, using our own local experience and the input of industry experts from across Ireland and abroad. We want to build a radio station that reflects Donegal, and that will grow with Donegal. We’ve invested huge time, energy and resources in this bid, and are committed to continuing that investment should the BAI award us the licence”.
Highland Radio Managing Director, Shaun Doherty, said after 25 years on air, they remain fresh.
“Our listeners are at the heart of everything we do. We are very pleased with the strength of our application to the BAI today and positive about the new licence process.
“After 23 years of leadership in Irish local radio, Highland Radio remains fresh, relevant, exciting and dynamic. I want to say a very big thank you to everyone for their support. We look forward to continuing to be a voice for our Donegal communities for another 10 years and beyond” he added.
The submission of DLFM (Donegal Commercial Radio Broadcasting Limited) runs to 250 pages
It identifies key elements like news, sport, local organisations, and the wider community of Donegal, as the driver of the broadcast service.
High quality local current affairs coverage and debate leads the morning show, with a magazine-style afternoon discussion show running from 3pm to 5:30pm.
Music output is balanced throughout the day, varying between Irish and American country, classic hits, through to modern music in youth-focused shows.
Since change of ownership in 2008, Highland Radio has increased market share and listenership. The station has managed to navigate the current economic downturn and even increase staffing to a total of 53, by creating exciting new initiatives for Donegal advertisers and listeners such as the North West Motor Show and the Highland Radio Christmas Fair.
The identity of a number of other local people backing the new consortium was also unveiled today. 
It was previously known that Simpson and Collins were joined by Philip O’Doherty of E&I Engineering, Letterkenny businessmen Enda Nicholls of Arena 7 and Mark McCloskey of Evolve Menswear, as well as Glenties man Brian McGill of the Harcourt Hotel and the Falcarragh-born publican Danny Doohan.
The final shareholders are former Mayor of Letterkenny and digital media expert Damien Blake, who is joined by his wife Mary G. Blake, a teacher from Ballybofey.
The non-shareholder directors are local journalist and broadcaster Lisa Burkitt, internationally-respected media ethics expert Professor Roy Greenslade, and businesswoman Grace Ann McGarvey of GA Consultancy in Letterkenny.
Highland Radio, who currently boast the biggest listenership of all of Ireland’s local radio stations, also presented their submission.
All applications were due to be submitted to the BAI by 12 noon today. It is expected that digital copies will be made available online shortly after the closing date.
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