LBC and Galaxy Get Licence Renewals

The licences of London News Radio and Galaxy Radio Manchester have been automatically renewed for a further eight years by the Radio Authority, as the broadcasters are or will be providing digital sound programmes for local multiplexes. However, the Greater London licence currently held by London Christian Radio is being re-advertised from this week.

London News Radio broadcasts as ITN News Direct 97.3FM and LBC 1152 AM, while Galaxy Radio Manchester broadcasts as Galaxy 102. Both groups qualify for the automatic renewal of licences because they provide or are committed to providing a programme service on a multiplex which provides digital coverage of at least 25% of the population covered by the analogue licence in question.

The London Christian Radio licence, which is currently used for the Premier Christian Radio service does not qualify for automatic renewal in this way. This will be the first of three Greater London AM licences to be advertised in this way. Spectrum Radio’s will be re-advertised next month, and Liberty Radio’s next spring, unless either becomes contracted to provide a relevant digital service.

Radio Authority: 020 7430 2724 www.radioauthority.org.uk

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