UTV has become the latest heavyweight player to bid for the new radio licence in Belfast, writes Barry O'Keeffe.

The broadcaster and internet services provider said yesterday that it had also appointed well-known Northern businessman Mr Roy Bailie to chair its bid.

Mr Bailie is already a director of UTV and is chairman of the Baird Group as well as a director of the Bank of Ireland Court of Directors.

Mr Bailie said yesterday that UTV planned to bring a "fresh and innovative approach to radio in Belfast and the surrounding area."

This is the first radio licence UTV has gone for in the North since broadcasting legislation was changed, which cleared the way for the broadcaster's involvement in such bids.

UTV is involved in several radio stations in the Republic, including two stations in Cork (Cork 96 FM and Cork 103 FM) and Q102 in Dublin as well as LMFM in Co Louth. It also owns Juice FM in Liverpool.

The Belfast licence has attracted a number of bidders. These include CanWest Global Communications. CanWest is a major shareholder in TV3. Another consortium is Celador and Lagan FM. Mr Chris Tarrant, the host of the quiz, Who wants to be a millionaire?, in Britain is supporting the Celador bid.

Another contender is Emap, the media group which owns Kiss and Magic and Scottish Media Group which owns Virgin Radio.

The bids must be submitted to the industry regulator, Ofcom, by December 8th. It is expected the licence will be awarded next March.