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Ireland's Highland Radio faces takeover battle Ireland's Highland Radio faces takeover battle
(25 days later)
Highland Radio, an Irish community station based in Letterkenny, County Donegal, is something of a phenomenon.Highland Radio, an Irish community station based in Letterkenny, County Donegal, is something of a phenomenon.
Since its launch in March 1990 it has enjoyed considerable success, laying claim to the highest penetration of any local radio service in the Republic. And its main presenter, Shaun Doherty, is reputed to be Ireland's most popular local radio host.Since its launch in March 1990 it has enjoyed considerable success, laying claim to the highest penetration of any local radio service in the Republic. And its main presenter, Shaun Doherty, is reputed to be Ireland's most popular local radio host.
It is no wonder, therefore, that it bills itself as "Ireland's number one local radio station."It is no wonder, therefore, that it bills itself as "Ireland's number one local radio station."
But, in spite of the success, its ownership has been anything but straightforward. In May 2005, its shareholders agreed to sell it to Scottish Radio Holdings (SRH) for €7m (£6m). But just 21 days later, SRH itself was itself taken over by a British media company, Emap.But, in spite of the success, its ownership has been anything but straightforward. In May 2005, its shareholders agreed to sell it to Scottish Radio Holdings (SRH) for €7m (£6m). But just 21 days later, SRH itself was itself taken over by a British media company, Emap.
Then, in July 2007, Emap sold the station on to Communicorp, the company controlled by Irish media tycoon Denis O'Brien. And a year later, he passed it on to Orangold, a company run by a Galway media owner, Gerry Rabbitt, for a reputed €9m (£7.7m).Then, in July 2007, Emap sold the station on to Communicorp, the company controlled by Irish media tycoon Denis O'Brien. And a year later, he passed it on to Orangold, a company run by a Galway media owner, Gerry Rabbitt, for a reputed €9m (£7.7m).
Throughout the changes of ownership, from 1991 onwards, the station's main manager was Charlie Collins. He was also the its leading reporter and commentator on sport.Throughout the changes of ownership, from 1991 onwards, the station's main manager was Charlie Collins. He was also the its leading reporter and commentator on sport.
He was a board director until stepping down in January 2012. And, in June this year, he resigned as manager after 22 years, saying his decision to leave was both "difficult and painful." Days later, Shaun Doherty was appointed as "acting managing director".He was a board director until stepping down in January 2012. And, in June this year, he resigned as manager after 22 years, saying his decision to leave was both "difficult and painful." Days later, Shaun Doherty was appointed as "acting managing director".
Now, according to a report in yesterday's Sunday Times, Collins is seeking to return in what looks set to become a takeover tussle when Highland's operating licence - granted by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland - comes up for renewal next year.Now, according to a report in yesterday's Sunday Times, Collins is seeking to return in what looks set to become a takeover tussle when Highland's operating licence - granted by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland - comes up for renewal next year.
Collins has joined a consortium planning to bid for the licence in company with Paddy Simpson, owner of Derry's Brunswick Superbowl, and Enda Nicholls, owner of Letterkenny's Arena 7 entertainment centre.Collins has joined a consortium planning to bid for the licence in company with Paddy Simpson, owner of Derry's Brunswick Superbowl, and Enda Nicholls, owner of Letterkenny's Arena 7 entertainment centre.
Sources: Irish Independent/Donegal Democrat/Radio Nation/Sunday TimesSources: Irish Independent/Donegal Democrat/Radio Nation/Sunday Times
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