Ofcom receives 192 applications for community radio licences

Ofcom has received 192 applications from groups wishing to become small-scale community radio broadcasters. Community radio is a new type of radio station focusing on the delivery of specific social benefits to enrich a community or a range of listeners within a small geographical area.

192 applications were received by the 5pm deadline on 23 November for a wide variety of different services from across the UK. The applications by nation and region are as follows:

England

34 for services within London;
23 - South East England;
20 - Yorkshire and Humberside;
18 - North West England;
17 - East Midlands;
16 - East of England;
14 - West Midlands;
13 - South West England;
6 - North East England.

Scotland

17 applications has been received for services in Scotland

Wales

7 applications have been received for services in Wales

Northern Ireland

7 applications have been received for services in Northern Ireland

Given the large number of applications, Ofcom intends to prioritise by first considering those applications received from the fourteen pilot community services and any other applicants that may be competing for frequency resources in these areas.

Existing experimental pilot stations have been broadcasting since 2002. The stations will not be given any special treatment beyond this prioritisation, which is designed to minimise any potential disruption to listeners.

Next, Ofcom intends to deal with applications which are not contested, for example, from areas where only one application has been made, or areas where sufficient frequency resources exist to license all applications received should they meet the necessary regulatory requirements.

Finally, Ofcom will deal with applications from areas where the number of applications received for new community radio services is greater than can be supported by available frequencies, thereby putting applicants in competition with one another.

The full list of applicants is available under Related Items.

Community radio licences will typically be granted for a period of five years. The number of licences available is not fixed. Ofcom will judge each application against specific statutory criteria which focus on the benefits a service will bring to a local community.

Ofcom expects to make decisions on those awarded a community radio licence during the first half of 2005. Successful applicants will then be expected to get their stations up and running within 2 years of the award date.

Stephen Carter, Chief Executive of Ofcom, said: "Judging from the high number of applications, there is a considerable enthusiasm for community radio in this country.

He added: "The new services will be a third tier of radio adding further variety to the rich mix of services already provided by the BBC and commercial radio."

NOTES FOR EDITORS AND CSEs

Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services.

For further details please visit www.ofcom.org.uk.

CONTACT

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