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Magic 103 was an offshoot of Dublin super-pirate Radio Nova, set up as an information and easy listening music service for the city. Its first full day was 29th April 1985 but it closed only five months later on 22nd September, citing financial difficulties. However, the station was also embroiled in the ongoing dispute between Nova boss Chris Cary and the National Union of Journalists, which eventually contributed to Nova’s demise in 1986.
This recording was made shortly after Magic 103 launched and features a lunchtime show presented by Dave Johnson (Andrew Hanlon), who also reads ABC Network News, simulcast on Radio Nova. The music is a mixture of easy listening, oldies and country and listeners call in for chat and requests. There are regular references to an audition for new presenters for a kids’ programme called Magic Hullabaloo taking place at Magic headquarters at 144 Upper Leeson Street. Some of the hopefuls are invited into studio, including one who already hosts a show on Community Radio Fingal in north Dublin. The kids’ enthusiasm and knowledge about radio provides an interesting insight to the popularity of the medium among 1980s teenagers in Dublin.
The tape was recorded from 103.5 FM between 1203 and 1335 on Saturday 18th May 1985 and is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection.