UTV-owned radio station Lite FM is to spend €1 million relaunching itself as Q102, it confirmed yesterday in a statement.

The station said that, while it was changing its name, its emphasis on listeners over the age of 35 would continue. The changes have been approved by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI).

The station acknowledged its listenership had declined since it went on air in the summer of 2000, when it managed a 17 per cent listenership figure. However, this has fallen to 10 per cent.

The latest JNLR figures will be released on Monday.

Mr Scott Williams, chief executive of Lite FM, said over the past number of months, the station carried out audience research to find out exactly what Dubliners wanted on their radios.

"Results show that there is a very strong demand for a 35-plus music station in Dublin but the brand Lite FM has negative perceptions which have impacted on our performance," said Mr Williams.

"Early next month we will be re-launching the station as Dublin's Q102, backed up by a massive €1 million marketing budget. We will also be unveiling some new presenters, new programmes and a vibrant music style for the station, which will appeal strongly to our target audience," he added.

He said the changes would be sufficient to make Q102 the number one local radio station in its target market.

Q102 was the name of a pirate radio station in Dublin in the 1980s.

Lite FM was purchased by UTV two years ago in a €14 million deal.

The former managing director of the station, Mr Martin Block, his brother Howard and Mr Williams were among the main beneficiaries.