March
Broadcasting begins
May
A national news service (Independent Network News) is formed for local radio stations, scuppering Radio Ireland's chances of making money from a similar service.
June
Radio Ireland's afternoon broadcaster, Philip Boucher-Hayes, leaves the station citing "listenership resistance" to his show.
The station offers Gerry Ryan of 2FM £1 million to join, but he decides to stay with RTE.
July
Management seeks staff cuts - five employees are let go. Morning broadcaster, Cliona Ni Bhuachalla, leaves by "mutual agreement".
August
A listeners survey shows the station has a 1 per cent audience share, compared with 32 per cent for RTE1 and 22 per cent for 2FM. Advertisers recommend radical changes.
September
British consultants are hired to draw up a new schedule. Controller of Programmes, John Caden, leaves.