Applications For London Radio Licences Reflect Diverse Ethnic Community

The Radio Authority has received two applications for a re-advertised local licence for North London and three for another in South East London. The licences both run for a period of eight years from 1 January 2003 and the deadline for applications was 8 May. In a reflection of the capital’s diverse ethnic community, most of the applicants are seeking to provide ethnically targeted or cross-cultural services.

The licence for Haringey in North London is currently held by London Greek Radio Ltd, which has re-applied for the licence. It will compete with Fusion FM, which proposes a new adult contemporary, international music format, with international, national and local current affairs.

The three applicants for the Thamesmead licence include existing licensee Millennium FM Ltd, which currently provides music, news, sport, community information and entertainment for an adult audience. The other applicants are Starmela.co.uk Ltd, which proposes a 24 hour service for the increasing number of young Asian people living in the area, with music, focused and localised news and community information, and Unity FM Ltd, which aims to provide a cross-cultural service, with music from the 70s, 80s and 90s and presentation that reflects all the cultural elements of the area including black, white and Asian.

The Radio Authority expects to reach its decisions about the awarding of the licences in the autumn of this year.

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

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