Radio broadcast update November 2021

A round-up of radio broadcast licensing activity in November 2021.

• Digital radio
• Analogue commercial radio
• Analogue community radio
• Long-term restricted service licences

Digital radio

Local/national DAB multiplex variations

The following multiplex variations were agreed during this period:

Small-scale DAB: extension of trial multiplexes

These short extensions have been granted by Ofcom in order to provide continuity for programme service providers and their listeners following Ofcom’s recent awards of seven-year small scale radio multiplex licences in these areas, which are required to launch within 18 months of licence award.

Digital sound programme service (DSP) and digital additional sound (DAS) licences issued during this period

DSP and DAS licences which have ceased to be licensed (handed back or revoked) in this period

Community digital sound programme service (C-DSP) applications received during this period

C-DSP licences issued during this period

Analogue commercial radio

Licence renewals granted in this period

A seven-year renewal has been granted to the following:

Change of control reviews

Whenever a local radio licence undergoes a ‘change of control’ (for example when it is sold), Ofcom is required under section 355 of the Communications Act 2003 to undertake a review of its programme output.

Specifically, Ofcom must review the likely effect of the change of control on:

• the quality and range of programmes included in the service;
• the character of the service, and;
• the extent to which local material and locally-made programmes are included in the service.

When the review has been completed, Ofcom may amend the content requirements of the licence.

Quidem local FM stations (PDF, 170.2 KB)
Published 24 November 2021

Analogue community radio

Community Radio Fund: Round 2, 2021-22

The second round of the Community Radio Fund 2021-22 opened for applications from eligible stations on 1 December and will close at 5pm on Friday 7 January 2022. The awarding Panel will meet in February 2022 to consider the applications.

In addition to the £178,533 available after the conclusion of the first round, DCMS has also made an additional £200,000 available for the second round of the Fund. This means that the total amount available to be awarded in the upcoming round is £378,533.

Grants can only be made to Ofcom-licensed community radio stations in the UK, broadcasting on AM, FM, or via a C-DSP licence on a digital radio multiplex. Applications from eligible licence-holders may be submitted in Welsh. Any application submitted in Welsh will be treated no less favourably than an application submitted in English.

For further information, please contact Ofcom's Community Radio team at communityradiofund@ofcom.org.uk or see the statement on Ofcom’s website.

Licences issued in this period

Licence extensions granted in this period

A five-year extension has been granted to the following:

Long-term restricted service licences

Licences issued in this period

Licences which have ceased to be licensed in this period