Decisions regarding the ownership of TV3, Cork radio company County Media, and a new radio licence for Cork are expected today from the Independent Radio and Television Commission (IRTC).

The commission discussed the issues yesterday but no comment was made last night.

Among the issues being discussed was the proposal from UTV to buy County Media for £31.3 million (€39.7 million).

IRTC policy at present is to limit ownership of radio stations by existing media organisations to 27 per cent, and by other individuals or firms to 40 per cent.

As UTV wants to buy the three County Media stations in their entirety, a change in IRTC policy would be required for the purchase to be approved.

County Media operates three radio stations - 96FM in Cork city, 103FM in north Cork and 103FM in west Cork - and dominates the region with a market share exceeding 52 per cent and a daily listenership of 199,000, according to the most recent JNLR figures. The commission is also creating a shortlist of three to four applicants for a new radio service to be provided for Cork City and County.

The commission has received seven applications, including one from a consortium involving Mr Roy Keane and Mr Denis Irwin.

In relation to TV3 the commission is considering the intended purchase by Granada Media of 45 per cent of the TV station for sterling £29.3 million (£22.5 million).

The purchase has to be approved by the IRTC, which will examine such issues as ownership policy and future direction and programming.