The first licences to be awarded by Ofcom moves a step closer today as the closing date for both Edinburgh and Blackburn has arrived.
Both locations will receive a new radio station, expected to start broadcasting during 2005.
Over a dozen contenders are expected to apply to provide a new radio station for Edinburgh including GWR, GMG, Celador, SMG, CN Group, SRH and Emap.
In Blackburn, local RSL groups “The Bee”, backed by TLRC and “Burn FM”, backed by Milestone Group are expected to be joined by Bold FM (The Wireless Group), 2-DayFM (CN Group), BWDfm (Forward Media) and more.
Ofcom will reveal within 2 weeks when an announcement is likely to happen. Industry experts are hoping for news of the awards by Christmas.