Media companies have been invited to submit expressions of interest in new radio services by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI).

The BCI yesterday place advertisements in the national press seeking expressions of interest in what it calls "new commercial sound broadcasting services".

A BCI statement said it was open to suggestions regarding "both the types of services to be provided and the areas to be served".

The expressions of interest will assist the BCI in drawing up a three-to-five year licensing plan which will provide for additional commercial radio services.

This expressions of interest phase will be somewhat different from those previously held by the BCI, said the statement.

"More detailed information will be required from interested parties regarding the quality, range and type of services to be provided, but specifically the extent to which any new service will add to diversity," the statement added.

Michael O'Keeffe, the BCI chief executive, said the organisation was entering a new phase of licensing.