Local Radio Stations Boom

The Radio Authority is advertising the availability of up to two new frequencies within Cheshire. Each of the FM licences are being offered for small-scale coverage of a location anywhere in the county. Applicants may apply for either one or both licences, but they must indicate which areas they wish broadcast to.

When assessing the applications, the Authority will consider how each applicant proposes to cater for the tastes and interests of their proposed audience. Each licence will be for a period of 8 years. The closing date for receipt of applications is 1 July 1997. The Authority hopes to make a decision within 4 months of this date.

The Authority has also invited applications for the new Independent Local Radio licence to serve the town of Basingstoke and the surrounding area. The FM licence is designed to cover a more localised area than the existing services. The Authority will be using the same criteria as above when assessing the applications. The closing date for applicants for this licence is 17 June this year. The Authority intends to make a decision within three months.

Radio Authority: 0171 430 2724