Radio’s Big Guns Line Up For Glasgow FM Licence

The Radio Authority has received thirteen applications for the new local FM analogue licence for Glasgow, which is the last to be awarded by the regulator before it hands over control to Ofcom later this year.

Bidders for the licence, which covers an area of Glasgow and west central Scotland with 1.7 million adults, include all the big six UK radio groups: Emap, GWR, Chrysalis, Capital, Scottish Radio Holdings and Guardian Media Group.

Competition for the new licence is likely to be fierce as Glasgow already has an FM service, Clyde 1, which is owned by Scottish Radio Holdings and has been one of the most successful commercial radio stations in the UK.

The majority of bidders have opted for an easy listening format, with GMG’s Smooth offering mellow hits from the last 40 years and Emap’s Magic promising an easy listening station targeting women aged 35 and over. Capital Radio’s Glasgow Gold will offer hits from the 1960s 1970s and 1980s and Saga FM will target the over 50s with a mix of melodic music, news and lifestyle orientated speech content.

Virgin has identified rock fans as the least well served section of the Glasgow market, along with Chrysalis, which plans to extend its adult rock station, The Arrow, to the area. A consortium including GWR and DF Concerts has also opted for a rock-based service and plans to launch The Storm to showcase local talent.

Other bidders include Base FM Scotland, which plans to cater for 18-44 years olds with a broad urban mix of soul and R&B music, Sunrise Radio’s station for Glasgow’s Asian community and a country music service from 3C.

The Radio Authority, which will award the licence on the basis of commercial viability, reflection of local taste, depth of local supports and the ability to extend consumer choice, is expected to announce its decision toward the end of the year.

Back In May the Radio Authority urged the new super-regulator, Ofcom, to carry on its model of regulation when it assumes its full responsibilities in mid-December (see Radio Authority Calls For Ofcom To Carry On Legacy).

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

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