Aircheck: Capitol Radio/Nitesky 96

Aircheck: Capitol Radio/Nitesky 96
Clippings from Alan MacSimoin collection.

Capitol Radio/Nitesky 96 specialised in indie and alternative music and was one of the last stations in Dublin on air on New Year’s Eve 1988, broadcasting live from Side’s nightclub. This recording from our collection is from 30th December 1988 and features Conor Brooks promoting the listeners’ all-time Alternative Top 30 that was to be broadcast the following day, the final day. The suggested bands and songs give a good indication of Capitol’s unique musical style. The Alternative Top 10 based on listeners’ votes was a popular weekly feature on the station.

Interview with Radio Dublin on its ‘last day’ of broadcasting

Interview with Radio Dublin on its ‘last day’ of broadcasting
Radio Dublin badge courtesy of Brian Greene.

Centre Radio in Bayside was one of the last stations to close at midnight on New Year’s Eve 1988. Rumours abounded that Radio Dublin was going to defy the new legislation and continue broadcasting so early on the morning of the 31st December, Bobby Gibbson (Brian Greene) decided to call Radio Dublin live on air. In this recording, he speaks to breakfast presenter Robbie Prior who says all presenters have been told that this is their final day. However he adds that station owner Eamon Cooke could well have something up his sleeve. The recording includes poor quality live audio from Radio Dublin’s AM broadcast on 1188 kHz.

Interview: Rosemary Day discusses the transition from the pirate era to community radio

Interview: Rosemary Day discusses the transition from the pirate era to community radio

In this interview from December 2016, John Walsh speaks with Dr. Rosemary Day, Head of the Department of Media and Communication Studies in Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick. The post-1988 licencing of radio and the development of the community radio space are discussed. This interview was first broadcast on Wireless on Flirt FM.

Final overnight of Centre Radio, 30th to 31st December 1988

Final overnight of Centre Radio, 30th to 31st December 1988
Centre Radio flyer from 1987 (from Brian Greene).

This is an aircheck of the northeast Dublin station Centre Radio recorded from 2300 on 30th December 1988 to 0530 on 31st, the final day of broadcasting before the pirates were silenced. On air overnight is Bobby Gibbson (aka Brian Greene). Centre had just finished broadcasting a live variety concert from its studio location at the Mid-Sutton Community Centre. The decision was taken to broadcast through the night for the last time before the closedown at midnight on the 31st.

Final overnight of Centre Radio, 30th to 31st December 1988
Poster for Centre Radio disco, 1987 (from Brian Greene).