Absolute Radio has announced that it will be bidding for the new Oxford & South Oxfordshire FM radio licence recently advertised by industry regulator Ofcom.
The new licence will cover the city of Oxford and the South Oxfordshire area, including Kidlington, Abingdon, Wantage, Didcot and Wallingford. It was advertised by Ofcom on 10th March and the closing date for applications is 9th June . The licence will be awarded in September 2006, with a prospective on-air date of Late Spring/Summer 2007.
Absolute Radio has extensive experience in operating highly successful local radio stations in very competitive City markets. Most recently, it was the company behind the rapid growth and success of 107.6 Juice FM in Liverpool where the audience more than doubled and revenues increased by more than 50% in less than 2 years.
Clive Dickens – Programme & Operations Director of ARI says: ‘We have carried out initial analysis of the Oxford radio market and we have commissioned a full consumer study to pinpoint the best new format for the area. Our track record and expertise in competitive markets will serve us well in launching a successful new station for Oxford and the South Oxfordshire area”.