Note Of The 36th Meeting On 5 July 2007

Chairman’s Introduction

The Chairman welcomed Members to the 36 th meeting of the Radio Licensing Committee. All members were present with the exception of Tim Suter who gave his apologies. Other Ofcom colleagues were also present throughout or attended for part of the meeting.

Minutes of the previous Meeting

2. The minutes of the Radio Licensing Committee Meeting held on 12 June 2007 were agreed as an accurate record.

Matters Arising

3. There were no matters arising.

National radio multiplex licence award

4. After a full and careful discussion of each licence application, having regard in particular to section 47 of the Broadcasting Act 1996, (including taking into account representations received from third parties) and after consideration of Ofcom’s statutory duties under section 3 of the Communications Act 2003, the Committee awarded the licence to 4 Digital Group Limited (‘4DG’).It was noted that the announcement regarding the winning licence application would be made on 6 July 2007 and a statement explaining the factors which led the Committee to its decision was scheduled to be published in due course.

Local radio multiplex licence award: Derbyshire

5. After a full and careful discussion of each licence application, and having regard in particular to the factors set out in section 51(2) of the Broadcasting Act 1996, the Committee awarded the licence to NOWdigital East Midlands Limited. It was noted that the announcement regarding the winning licence application would be made on the 6 July 2007 and a statement explaining the factors which led the Committee to its decision was scheduled to be published in due course.

Community radio Licence awards: Scotland and Northern Ireland (Batch 3)

6. After a full and careful discussion of each licence application in the respective areas, and having regard in particular to the factors set out in section 105 of the Broadcasting Act 1990 (as modified by the Community Radio Order 2004), the Committee awarded a licence to each of the following six applicants:

Mearns FM, Stonehaven and the Mearns, South Aberdeenshire ;
Brick FM, St Boswells, Borders;
Dunoon Community Radio;
Celtic Music AM, Glasgow ;
Lisburn City Radio; and
Belfast Student Radio.

7. The Committee noted that it was minded to make an award to Pulse FM ( East Renfrewshire ), should a frequency become available. It was noted that the announcement regarding the successful licence applications would be made on 10 July 2007 .

Any other business

9. The Committee adopted amended Radio Licensing Committee Terms of Reference.

Date of next meeting

10. To be held on Thursday 6 September 2007 in London.