152/01

26 October 2001

The Radio Authority has today (26 October) announced that it will be renewing the FM and AM licences for the Cardiff/Newport area, to run for a further eight years from 1 January 2002 until 31 December 2009. The FM licence is held by Cardiff Broadcasting Co. Ltd., broadcasting as Red Dragon FM; the renewed AM licence will be held by Capital Radio plc, broadcasting as Capital Gold 1305/1359. These licences have qualified for renewal due to the provision by their holders of digital sound programme services on the local multiplex for Cardiff & Newport.

Under the terms of the Broadcasting Act 1996, a local radio licence holder is entitled to apply for an automatic renewal of its licence, if it is providing (or is committed to provide) a programme service on a 'relevant' digital radio multiplex. The Authority regards a 'relevant' multiplex as one which provides digital coverage of at least 25% of the population already covered by the analogue licence in question. The conditions of the renewed local FM and AM licences will require their holders to do all that they can to ensure the continued provision of the digital services.

The Radio Authority is responsible for licensing and regulating Independent Radio in accordance with the statutory requirements of the Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996. It plans frequencies, awards licences, regulates programming and advertising, and plays an active role in the discussion and formulation of policies which affect the Independent Radio industry and its listeners.