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07|11|08

Manchester radio

Radio listeners in Manchester will soon have the choice of two more stations aimed at specific sections of the community.

Ofcom has awarded licences to Unity Radio and Gaydio, both of which have been awarded for a five-year period.

Unity Radio is a youth-focused social enterprise that aims to improve the quality of life of young people in the city.

It will aim to tackle taboo and difficult social issues, such as gang culture, sexual health and substance misuse and will feature black dance music such as garage and dubstep.

Community stations

Unity Radio will also provide young local broadcasters with mentors from the local music and media industry, as well as building partnerships with education, training and employment services.

Gaydio will target and promote the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities of central Manchester, creating awareness and challenging homophobia and homophobic practices.

It will provide training opportunities, a platform for expression, and become a focal point and vital source of lively information and entertainment for this community.

Community radio stations are run on a not-for-profit basis.

Radio fund

They typically cover small geographical areas of up to a 5km radius and can cater for whole communities or for different areas of interest.

Each year the Department for Culture, Media and Sport provides money for these station through the Community Radio Fund, which is managed by Ofcom.

The second round for funding applications opened earlier this week and will close on 2 December 2008.

Last year Ofcom made a total of £465,015 worth of payments to 34 community radio stations – with grants ranging from £5,000 to £16,000.

Click here for the latest application form and guidance notes.

For further information, please contact Ofcom’s Community Radio Team via email: communityradio@ofcom.org.uk, or by telephone 020 7981 3860.

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