Ofcom has today advertised a new FM local commercial radio licence to cover South Wales. Ofcom estimates that the South Wales licence could achieve coverage of an area with an adult (aged 15+) population of around 950,000.
The exact coverage will be determined by the location of the transmission sites and other technical characteristics. The proposed frequencies for this licence are subject to international agreement on radio spectrum usage.
Expected applicants for the licence include GMG – proposing a Smooth FM format to compliment their current licence for Real Radio. The closing date for the receipt of applications is 3.00 p.m. on 12 December 2006. A non-refundable fee of ?10,000 will be payable for each application submitted.
The full details for this licence, including the guidelines and procedures for the submission of applications, can be obtained from the Related Items.
The licence will be issued for a twelve year period. All applications for this licence will be published on the Ofcom website as soon as is practicable after the closing date.
Ofcom welcomes the views of the public about the local radio needs of listeners in this area and the types of services required. Opinions on these issues can either be emailed to commercialradio@ofcom.org.uk or posted to Neil Stock, Head of Radio Planning & Licensing, Ofcom, Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HA.