South East Radio to join Tindle Group

Tindle's Midlands 103 has agreed to acquire South East Radio, one of Ireland’s most decorated and successful broadcasting services.

The proposed transaction is subject to standard closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Based in Tullamore, Midlands 103 is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tindle CI Broadcasting, which also operates radio stations and a DAB multiplex business in the Channel Islands and is in turn part of the wider Tindle Group, which runs newspapers and digital businesses in the UK.

Midlands 103 is locally managed and has a weekly audience of 106,000 adults across counties Laois, Offaly and Westmeath.

Midlands 103 Managing Director Will Faulkner emphasised the strong local roots of both stations commenting, "We have long admired South East Radio and are committed to preserving the local ethos that has made it a trusted voice in County Wexford for over 35 years.

"Radio is an innovative industry, and we believe the combined expertise of both teams will create an even stronger offering for listeners and commercial partners alike, while ensuring Midlands 103 and South East Radio retain their unique identities.

"This investment reflects our confidence in the future of audio, particularly locally sourced, quality content.”

South East Radio’s Managing Director, Eamonn Buttle, described today’s announcement as the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the company. "On behalf of my brother Norman, the Buttle family, and myself, I would like to express what an honour it has been to serve the media industry for over four decades.

"We have always sought to uphold the privilege of being the voice of County Wexford, and I am proud that the station’s programming and ethos have remained true to this mission for over 35 years.

"I wish the Tindle Group continued success and know that South East Radio is in safe hands with Midlands 103, as we share the same belief in supporting and promoting local issues.”

In the past 12 months, both stations have successfully secured new ten-year Sound Broadcasting Contracts with Coimisiún na Meán, the Irish media regulator.

The parties to the proposed transaction are Midland Community Radio Services Limited, trading as Midlands 103, and S.E.R.B. Radio Limited, trading as South East Radio.