In a knock-on effect from last week’s Open Narrowcast licence auction, Tasmanian Broadcasters’ parent company Grant Broadcasters has announced that it has entered into an agreement with racing station Tasradio Pty Ltd to acquire the second commercial radio licence in Launceston, subject to satisfaction of a number of conditions.

Tasradio was the successful bidder for the narrowcasting radio licence for Launceston last Thursday, which means that it will remain a presence in the Launceston market, but does not need its other frequency.

The acquisition will give Grant Broadcasters the opportunity to broadcast a second music-based commercial radio station in Launceston, “delivering a broader range of radio formats for audiences and advertisers.”

Grant Broadcasters’ Executive Director Grant Cameron has told radioinfo: “We are very excited by this opportunity, which
would allow us to deliver complementary music-based formats in Launceston, aimed at younger and more mature audiences. We have a strong track record in providing this programming in other markets, where we own two stations.”

Mr Cameron stressed that the acquisition remains subject to a number of conditions and “in those circumstances it would be inappropriate to provide further detail on the proposed sale” at this time. He says the parties are “currently working to address these matters.”

No date is know for when the sale is likely to be completed because of the negotiations.

Executive General Manager of Tasmanian Broadcasters Tim Holder says the company “continues to evolve as a premier Australian broadcasting organisation. We have a strong network of radio stations right across the state with celebrated local and syndicated programming. Subject to approval, a new commercial radio station in Launceston will be a welcome addition to Tasmanian Broadcasters. It will be a very exciting 12 months for our listeners and staff state-wide.”

Grant Broadcasters was a registered bidder at the narrowcast auction, but did not bid a high enough amount to secure the narrowcast licence, which eventually went for $260,000 to TasRadio, but in clinching the deal to secure a full commercial licence the company has done even better out of the game of musical chairs which the auction started.

Grant Broadcasters is now in a strong position across the whole southern most state, with stations in Hobart, Devonport, Burnie, Queenstown, Scottsdale, and Launceston, with the new station giving it a second licence in Launceston. See list of stations below.