CN Radio Scoops Banbury FM Licence

Media super-regulator, Ofcom, has awarded the FM commercial radio licence for Banbury to CN Radio, selecting the company’s bid from three applications received by the closing date in February.

Ofcom’s licensing committee selected CN for approval following its application for “a locally focused, adult contemporary radio station with news information and features of particular interest to Banbury and the surrounding areas,” which best met the watchdog’s statutory criteria.

The broadcaster currently operates eight commercial stations across the UK, four of which cover areas in the Midlands, relatively close to Banbury. The new station will receive help from its sister stations, working particularly closely with The Bear, in Stratford Upon Avon, to share resources and provide the best possible service to listeners in Banbury.

The new radio station is expected to begin broadcasting sometime early in 2006. Commenting on the licence win, Jon Hewson, managing director of CN Radio said: “We are absolutely delighted with this new licence award, our first under Ofcom. It’s great news for CN Radio and adds critical mass to our cluster of radio stations close by. It’s also great news for people in Banbury who can look forward to having their own first class local radio station backed by a radio group with the expertise and resources to make it successful – we can’t wait to get on air!”

Earlier this year CN Radio acquired the remaining 60% of shares in Lakeland Radio, adding the station, which has performed extremely well since its launch in October 2001, to its existing portfolio (see CN Radio Buys Lakeland Radio).

CN Group: 01228 612 600 www.cngroup.co.uk