Ofcom Invites Applications For New Independent Radio Licence

Sarah Pearce – MediaTel NewsLine

Media regulator, Ofcom, has invited applications for a licence to provide an Independent Local Radio (ILR) service on the FM waveband covering the town of Barrow-in-Furness and the immediately surrounding area.

The FM licence will be awarded for a maximum period of twelve years from the commencement of broadcasting, with the closing date for the receipt of completed applications 3.00pm on Thursday 7 July 2005.

Ofcom stated a fee of £5,000 will be payable for each application submitted, with the fee not refundable in any circumstances. The Government body is welcoming any views from the public concerning the needs of local listeners within the area, as well as the type of programme service required.

Last month, Ofcom announced the award of the first community licence to the Forest of Dean Community radio, giving them a five year licence (see Ofcom Awards First Community Radio Licence).

This licence it the latest in Ofcom’s new community radio new sector being introduced in the UK, representing the third tier of radio complementing the mix of services already provided by the BBC and commercial radio sectors.

The new medium covers a small geographical area and is provided on a not-for-profit basis, focusing on the delivery of specific social benefits to enrich a particular geographical community or interest group.

Applicants for the first wave of community radio licences were invited in September 2004, with Ofcom receiving a staggering amount of responses to its proposals. Over 190 applications made by groups wanting to operate small-scale broadcasting services (see NewsLine).

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

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