Pirate radio stations arrived in Ireland. These unlicensed operators broadcast a range of mainly music oriented programmes, not available from Radio Éireann, which had a wider remit than just one target audience. The growing popularity of these stations was reflected in the surge of new pirate stations in operation around the country. By the mid 1970s, there were approximately 25 illegal stations broadcasting across the country, while ten years later, this figure had risen steeply to almost 100 locally based stations. This was not too difficult to understand. The ability of the pirates to respond to their audiences' tastes and interests was quickly rewarded by high audience figures and advertising revenue. This occurred in the post 1960s boom and everyone wanted access to the airwaves and freedom of expression. Above all, they wanted a continuous stream of the type of music they had come to love and espouse. It was the type of music the national broadcasters rationed out in small doses. Now, instead, there could be a never-ending supply.