Ofcom Offers Largest Local Licence In The North

Media watchdog Ofcom has announced the advertisement of a new FM radio licence to cover the main Tyne & Wear and Teesside conurbations in North-East England.

The new licence is expected to achieve coverage of around 2 million adults, although the exact figure will be determined by the location of the transmission site and other technical characteristics.

The closing date for the applications is 8 December, with a non-refundablefee of £25,000 payable for each application submitted.

The licence, which is valid for a twelve year period, will be awarded following a consultation by Ofcom on the views and needs of the public in the area.

The last local FM licence to be awarded by Ofcom was given to Original 106 FM, covering the Solent area in the south of England.

Covering an adult population of around 1.25 million, the licence was one of the largest and most lucrative yet to be advertised by Ofcom, although its reach is topped by the latest Tyne & Wear and Teesside contracts.

Ofcom: 020 7981 3040 www.ofcom.org.uk