Ofcom has approved a request by Now Digital Ltd to extend the coverage area of the local radio multiplex licence for Exeter & Torbay so that it also includes North Devon.
The approval comes despite the majority of the 234 consultation responses being against the proposals.
Most objections were on the grounds that it would enable the holder of the existing FM licence for Barnstaple to secure its renewal. Now that approval has been given, Global Radio’s FM licence for the area has been automatically extended by 12 years.
Without this approval, 30% of the local population would have been unable to pick up regional stations.
The licence is in the name of Lantern FM Ltd and broadcasting as Heart with local programmes for seven hours a day.
Posted on Tuesday, July 12th, 2011 at 7:46 pm by RadioToday UK