Ofcom Opens Bidding For New FM Radio Licence In Kent
Media regulator Ofcom has begun the bidding process for the latest commercial FM radio licence in Ashford, Kent, a contract which will run for 12 years.
Ofcom estimates that the coverage of the licence would give the winning broadcaster access to an adult population of around 60,000. However, the exact coverage gained by the finalised contract will be determined by the location of the radio transmitter and other technical considerations.
The new station will be broadcast on 107.6 FM and is expected to spark an intense bidding war. The new licence is part of Ofcom’s recent raft of frequency sales, announced in may and encompassing three large and three small areas (see Ofcom Finally Lifts Lid On New Local Radio Licences).
Although the Ashford licence is one of the smaller licences being offered by the regulator, it is still likely to attract attention from major radio players. Earlier this month Capital owned Xfm announced trial broadcasts in Manchester ahead of a bid for the region’s licence later this year (see Xfm To Broadcast In Manchester Ahead Of FM Licence Bid).
Similarly, rival broadcaster Emap has carried out trial broadcasts of its Kerrang! rock station in Manchester and Newcastle-upon-Tyne in preparation for the anticipated bidding war. The station already operates on the last FM licence in the midlands, broadcasting to Birmingham and the surrounding areas (see Emap Backs Kerrang Radio With Launch Campaign).
The closing date for submission of applications for the Ashford licence is 21st October 2004. Broadcasters will be charged a non-refundable fee of £1,500 for each application submitted. A decision on the winning bidder is expected from Ofcom in early November.
Ofcom: 020 7981 3040 www.ofcom.org.uk
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