Ofcom has published its final strategy on the management and administration of the new Community Radio Fund.
The Community Radio Fund was established by Government under the Communications Act 2003 to provide financial support to new Community Radio broadcasters. For the current financial year, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has made ?500,000 available to the fund, and has indicated that a similar figure will be available next year. Ofcom is required under the Communications Act to manage and administer this fund and consulted on a range of proposals at the beginning of the year.
Ofcom has taken into account all responses received to its public consultation in reaching its final decision. The Community Radio Fund policy statement published today can be obtained from the Ofcom website – see Related Items.
Ofcom awarded the first Community Radio licence in March 2005 and will continue to award new licences in this first phase of licensing over the next six months. Only those who hold Community Radio licences will be able to seek financial support from the fund.