Despite the economic downturn, the first dedicated youth radio station in the southwest remains on target to break even within year five of operations, according to figures released yesterday.

Commenting on the publication of the company’s 2008 accounts, Spin South West chief executive Aevann Upton said the radio station remains robust in the downturn and continues to be the most popular station in the region for its target audience (15- to 34- year-olds).

“Despite the very difficult year for the broadcast industry, we are quite upbeat for Spin as we build a sustainable and popular youth radio station,” Ms Upton said. “Our losses for 2008 of €967,000 are not alone in line with this business plan but are also a major improvement on 2007.”