The Local Radio Company, under the application name BTN FM beat off local competition from two other groups to win the new local radio licence for Northallerton.
Rival bids came from Hambleton Radio which was backed by Fresh Radio and RSL group Laser Broadcasting and Northallerton FM, owned by Garrison Radio Ltd in Catterick Garrison.
Richard Wheatly, Chief Executive of TLRC, said:
‘The Northallerton licence win brings our portfolio of stations up to 30.
‘It’s another great licence win for our Company. It is our fifth successful application since flotation. ‘Our strategy is to build and develop a strong network of local radio stations across the UK.’
BTN FM will provide a friendly, locally involved radio station aimed particularly at 25 to 54 year olds, focusing on local news, information and issues relevant to life today in the Bedale, Thirsk and Northallerton areas and featuring the best music from the past four decades and today.
The licence is for a service to cover the town of Northallerton and the immediately surrounding area, which has an adult population (aged 15+) of around 30,000. However, the exact coverage will be determined by the location of the transmission site and other technical characteristics.
Ofcom expects BTN FM to begin broadcasting at the earliest opportunity and no later than two years from this award date.
Ofcom will publish a statement setting out the key determining factors for the award of this licence shortly.
The licence will be issued for a twelve year period.