The government began the procurement process for a ’radio broadcast partner’ for the TT, Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix last Friday, when a request for expressions of interest was sought. The deadline for those is November 29, with invitations to tender due to be sent out in December.

Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly told Tynwald this week:

’Those organisations to which invitations to tender have been issued will have until the middle of January to provide a submission.

’At the moment, we are allowing approximately a fortnight for the submissions to be assessed and would be looking to make the award to the winning organisation by the end of January.’

He said matters that would be taken into account included quality, price and logistics, such as access to an appropriate spectrum frequency and bandwidth.

The issue was raised by Julie Edge (Onchan) this week who asked if there was another time for any business who might need to acquire a frequency and the necessary licences.

Mr Skelly said:

’Anyone putting a proposal forward would need to demonstrate that they can acquire and meet the timescales necessary.

’Part of that is the spectrum frequency, as mentioned.’

Bill Shimmins (Middle) pointed out it was ’commonplace’ for third party companies to produce radio content to be transmitted on other networks. Mr Skelly that would be considered in the tender process.

Last month, an attempt was made in Tynwald by Enterprise Department member Rob Callister to add Radio TT into Manx Radio’s public broadcasting duties, as members debated the radio station’s annual subvention. However, that was rejected.

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

Taxpayers paid about £113,000 for the coverage in 2019, 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.