Ofcom Extends Radio Licence Programme

Government media watchdog Ofcom, has announced a raft of new analogue commercial radio licences to extend its planned radio timetable into 2005.

The move could benefit a number of cities across the UK, including Swindon, Torbay and Swansea, with the introduction of several smaller licences now, and the possibility of larger licences being introduced by March.

Amongst the areas affected by Ofcom’s decision are Swindon, getting a smaller licence, followed by Barrow-in-Furness hoping to receive it’s licence in April and Northallerton, which should receive an extra licence by May.

The regulator has also outlined aims to award Swansea a larger licence in May, while three smaller licenses in the areas of Ipswich, Warwick and Shrewbury are scheduled for advertisement over the summer months.

The new additions follow Ofcom’s pledge to simplify the licence advertisement system, with a timetable for new licences issued a year in advance, featuring more information and an analysis of the relevant market at the time when the licence is actually offered.

The Radio Authority began advertising new licences for the development of independent radio in January 1991. Since then it has awarded three national licences to Virgin, talkSPORT and Classic FM and over 150 new local radio licences.

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

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