09/02

18 September 2002

Radio Authority receives one declaration of intent to apply for Guildford FM and AM licences

The Radio Authority announced today (18 September) that, by yesterday’s deadline, only one declaration of intent to apply for the local radio licences on FM (VHF) and AM (medium wave) for the Guildford area, for a further period of eight years from 4 April 2004, had been submitted. This was from the existing licence-holder, County Sound Ltd., broadcasting as 96.4 The Eagle on FM and County Sound Radio 1566 on AM.

According to the 'special application procedure' introduced in the Broadcasting Act 1996, the Authority is now inviting County Sound to re-apply for these licences on a 'fast track' basis. County Sound will have until the beginning of November to submit its applications for the new licence period, which will be made on the basis of maintaining the existing programme formats, as required under the Authority’s agreed procedure. The non-confidential parts of its re-application documents will be available to the public at the Authority’s offices. The Authority will then assess the re-applications, to ensure that they meet the statutory requirements for licence re-awards.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. These licences have been 'pre-advertised' under the provisions of the 'special application procedure' introduced in the 1996 Broadcasting Act. Because County Sound was the only party to submit a declaration of intent, the licences will not be re-advertised competitively. The deposits of £66,700 paid to accompany the declaration of intent for the FM and AM licences will be refunded upon receipt of County Sound's licence applications.
2. 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.

Contact:
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Revised: September 18, 2002