Shortwave radio broadcasts commence from West of Ireland
30 October 1996
A West of Ireland based venture went on the world airwaves early this morning (Thursday) bringing news and views from this region to exiles overseas and those who wish to find out more about Ireland.
Programmes made by the West Coast Radio Ireland Company (WCRI) will be broadcast on a weekly basis through the shortwave transmitters of Deutsche Telecom in Julich, Germany.
This is the first such venture of its kind in Ireland and it has been achieved through hard work and the pursuit of a dream.
Mayo based Michael Commins, one of the chief promoters of the venture said: "This week, and every week, we will bring a flavour of Ireland, and the West of Ireland in particular, to millions of listeners to shortwave radio around the world.
"We are doing this because we feel there is a need for it and we want this service located here in the West where the vast bulk of Irish emigrants can claim their ancestry."
"We have received no official support of any kind from the Government but that has not prevented us from achieving our goal. If Msgr. Horan had waited for official sanction for Knock Airport, it would never have been put in place. You have to go out there and do it yourself."
West Coast Radio, Ireland (WCRI), will broadcast a one hour programme each week at different times to various target areas. The first transmission was aired on this morning (Thursday), from 01.00 to 02.00 UTC.
This was be on the frequency of 5910 kHz with a target area of North America.
The transmission to Europe will be from 15.00 to 16.00 hrs UTC on 6015 kHz every Thursday afternoon and the third broadcast will be beamed to Africa between 18.00 and 19.00 hrs UTC on 11665 kHz on Thursday evenings.
The mailing address is: West Coast Radio, Ireland, Murneen Post
Office, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland.
Connaught Telegraph - News - October 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sport - October 1996
