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12|09|06

FM Commercial Radio Licence advertisement in Wales

Ofcom today advertises a new FM local commercial radio licence to cover South Wales.

Ofcom is also considering advertising up to two new FM commercial radio licences for coverage of most of North and Mid Wales next year, subject to gaining international agreement for the use of the required frequencies.

Ofcom is therefore seeking views as to whether there should be one or two new licences for most of North and Mid Wales. Ofcom is also seeking initial (non-binding) expressions of interest in such licences from potential applicants.

Beyond this, Ofcom has no plans to advertise any further FM local commercial radio licences for the time being in the UK.

South Wales Licence Advertisement

Ofcom estimates that the South Wales licence could achieve coverage of an area with an adult (aged 15+) population of around 950,000. The exact coverage will be determined by the location of the transmission sites and other technical characteristics. The proposed frequencies for this licence are subject to international agreement on radio spectrum usage.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 3.00 p.m. on 12 December 2006. A non-refundable fee of £10,000 will be payable for each application submitted.

The full details for this licence, including the guidelines and procedures for the submission of applications, can be obtained from the Related Items.

The licence will be issued for a twelve year period. All applications for this licence will be published on the Ofcom website as soon as is practicable after the closing date.

Ofcom welcomes the views of the public about the local radio needs of listeners in this area and the types of services required. Opinions on these issues can either be emailed to commercialradio@ofcom.org.uk or posted to Neil Stock, Head of Radio Planning & Licensing, Ofcom, Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HA.

Ends.

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