Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly, who last year told Tynwald he hoped to know who the broadcaster would be by the end of January, told the House of Keys last week there had been three expressions of interest.

As the procurement process was ’underway’, he said: ’I cannot disclose any further information at this particular stage.’

He was responding to a question tabled by Julie Edge (Onchan), who also sought an assurance that the successful bidder would have time to obtain the necessary licences.

The minister said: ’Yes. Clearly we need to ensure compliance and part of that will be technical ability to achieve what is necessary in the provision.’

Government began the procurement process for a ’radio broadcast partner’ for the TT, Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix in November.

Mr Skelly has previously stated matters that would be taken into account included quality, price and logistics, such as access to an appropriate spectrum frequency and bandwidth. Last year, an attempt was made in Tynwald by Enterprise Department member Rob Callister to add Radio TT into Manx Radio’s public broadcasting duties.

However, that was rejected.

Although Radio TT has been provided by Manx Radio for decades, last year’s late decision to award the contract to the station was controversial.

Taxpayers paid about £113,000 for the coverage in2019.

But it saw the end of all Manx Radio TT branding and the end of it being able to sell its own advertising on Radio TT.