In addition to the planned mediumwave outlet in Athlone on 612 kHz (100 kW), new Irish broadcaster Spirit Radio plans additional 25 kW mediumwave transmitters at Lifford on 549 kHz serving the north of Ireland, and at Macroom on 675 kHz serving the south of the country. FM transmitters are planned for Dundalk, Drogheda, Navan, Naas, Newbridge, Bray, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Ennis, Sligo, Letterkenny, Clonmel, Killarney and Trale, though the dates when these will come on the air have not been disclosed.
(Source: RS/Radio.NL)
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on Nov 7th, 2010 at 06:52
The Athlone transmitter powered at 100 kW with an additional transmitter at Lifford, near the Northern Ireland border town of Strabane with radiated power at 25kW, Spirit Radio will have a national footprint of reception in the Irish Republic, without a real need for FM ! Reception will be possible in most western coastal areas throughout the UK, especially Scotland!
Reception on AM in the north west of Northern Ireland for RTE Radio 1/2 was near non-existent when RTE used to transmit from Athlone and Tullamore, hence the addition of the Lifford relay for Spirit Radio.
I wonder if the Athlone transmitter will work on reduced power from dusk until dawn?
Regards..Willie
on Dec 28th, 2010 at 23:14
At least Ireland are willing to re allocate parts of the AM band for further use. Many people in the UK and Eire have AM on stereo equipment in the house or in the car.
The UK government should be looking towards re allocating the AM band for use by those parties interested in broadcasting on it(for example the legendary Radio Caroline).
Those stations with the intent to use AM would also look at Internet and DAB for further increasing audience. Radio is a powerful medium weather it’s FM, AM, DAB, Online or via Digital Television. If the public like it they’ll tune in if not they’ll tune elsewhere. At least the Choice would be there.