Sir, - Your correspondent Mairide Woods comments on the listener's lack of choice, and the fact that minorities are not catered for despite the increase in the number of radio stations. NEAR FM 101.5, in common with other community radio stations throughout the country, has been working hard to develop an "alternative" form of radio, one which is democratically owned, offers choice, and caters for minorities.
We broadcast a wide variety of programmes, all made by people who live and work in our locality, and have just celebrated our first year "on air". NEAR FM 101.5 broadcasts to the area in which Ms Woods lives, and we would be only too happy to provide her, and other residents, with details of our schedule. - Yours, etc.,
Programming committee, North East Access Radio,
Bunratty Drive,
Coolock,
Dublin 17.