Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Viking 105 was the final name given to the pirate station that broadcast from Wicklow Town between mid-1982 and the end of 1988. The first station was called Wicklow Community Radio (WCR), that emerged from temporary community stations operating in the town. WCR was relaunched as WLCB (Wicklow Local Community Broadcasting) in the summer of 1985 and aimed a more commercial service at the entire county. WLCB was rebranded as Viking 105 in June 1987 and continued until the end of 1988.
In this recording made soon after the rebranding, the first hour consists of non-stop easy listening, ballads, country and folk music interspersed with adverts. The music changes to contemporary pop in the second hour but there is only one link by the DJ. The name Brendan Cullen is noted on the cassette label. Adverts and idents feature the voice of the legendary Tony Allan, who also did a stint presenting on Viking before moving to ERI in Cork.
The tape was recorded from 104.8 FM, announcing 105, from 1010-1146 on Saturday 8th August 1987. Viking also broadcast on 1602 kHz AM and was based at the same address as previous versions of the station, 1 Wentworth Place in Wicklow Town. The recording is from the Anoraks Ireland Tapes Collection, donated to us by Paul Davidson.