Radio broadcast update December 2021
13 January 2022
A round-up of radio broadcast licensing activity in December 2021.
Digital radio
Local/national DAB multiplex variations
The following multiplex variations were agreed during this period:
| Change | Multiplex |
|---|---|
| Addition of GB News – A 24/7 news channel for UK audiences. | Channel Islands |
| Addition of Nation Hits – A music station predominantly playing current and recent pop music. | Mid and West Wales |
| Removal of Nation Radio UK – A music station playing current and classic hits. | |
| Addition of Your Harrogate – A local radio station for the Harrogate district. | North Yorkshire |
| Addition of Abacus Radio – Abacus Radio will provide a music service featuring various genres, accompanied by spoken word. | Surrey |
| Removal of Classic One – A music service featuring various genres, including classical and jazz. |
Digital sound programme service (DSP) and digital additional sound (DAS) licences issued during this period
| Licensee | Service name |
|---|---|
| GB News Limited | GB News |
| First Choice Radio Limited | First Choice Radio |
| Ambron Enterprises Ltd | Ambron Radio |
DSP and DAS licences which have ceased to be licensed (handed back or revoked) in this period
| Licensee | Service name | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Live Channel Cornwall Limited | Goldmine | Surrendered |
| UKRD Group Limited | Stray FM | Surrendered |
| Lincs FM Group Limited | Lincs FM (Lincoln) | Surrendered |
| UKRD Group Limited | Minister FM | Surrendered |
Community digital sound programme service (C-DSP) applications received during this period
| Licensee | Service name |
|---|---|
| Birmingham City Students' Union | Scratch Radio |
C-DSP licences issued during this period
| Licensee | Service name |
|---|---|
| Wigan and St Helens Community Media CIC | The Old Courts Radio |
| Memory Lane Productions CIC | Memory Lane Radio |
Radio licensable content services (RLCS) which have ceased to be licensed in this period
| Licensee | Service name | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty Radio Limited | Liberty Radio | Surrendered |
Analogue commercial radio
Analogue station Format changes
Each station has as part of its licence, a ‘Format’ which outlines what the essential nature of the service is and details any specific expectations of that service.
Any changes to a format can only be made by following the correct procedure and with the appropriate permission from Ofcom.
Star Radio (Cambridge & Ely) (PDF, 224.3 KB)
Published 10 December 2021
Analogue community radio
Community Radio Fund – Round 2, 2021-22
The second round of the Community Radio Fund 2021-22 has now closed for applications. The Panel will meet in due course to consider the applications.
Licence extensions granted in this period
A five-year extension has been granted to the following:
| Service name | Licensee | Location | New expiry date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asian Star 101.6 FM | Asian Star Community Radio Ltd | Slough | 11 March 2027 |
| Radio Reverb | RadioReverb Limited | Brighton and Hove | 25 March 2027 |