Millennium RSLs To Be Awarded On Merit

The Radio Authority (RA) is to change the way it awards restricted service licences (RSLs) during the run up to the millennium. Anticipating a particularly high demand in December 1999, the RA has decided that the fairest way to award licences is by setting up a selection process and making awards on merit. Normally, RSLs are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

The Authority is writing to those who have expressed an interest and to those who have previously held RSLs at that time of year, inviting them to apply for a millennium RSL.

Soo Williams, development officer at the RA, said: “We will try to accommodate as many applicants as possible, but in those areas where demand outstrips the availability of frequencies, we will select the applicants for licence award on merit. This is to ensure that the best short-term radio services provide coverage of the millennium as a result of a fair selection process.”

The RA will take into account whether the broadcasters have links with locally-based millennium events and how their service will benefit the local community when awarding the licences.

Those groups which are awarded millennium RSLs will be announced in January 1999. Applications should be sent to:

Development Officer Radio Authority Holbrook House 14 Great Queen Street London WC2B 5DG

The closing date for applications is 30 October 1998. A non-refundable application fee of £200 will be charged by the RA.

…The RA is also inviting declarations of intent to apply for the local radio licence for the Shetland Islands, for an 8 year period from 19 October 1999.

Radio Authority: 0171 430 2724