The Community Media Association has welcomed the news by Ofcom that the governing body is encouraging more Community Radio applications. Ofcom has set out a new, region-by-region approach for the second round of Community Radio licensing – and has started to invite applications from Southwest England and South Wales.
This approach will enable the regulator to deal with a large volume of applications in a timely manner.
Liza Kellett, Director of the Community Media Association said: ?We are pleased that Ofcom has opened the second round of Community Radio licensing so soon after completing the first round. The demand for Community Radio from communities across the UK continues to be high and we look forward to supporting groups applying for licenses in the second round. The CMA is pleased to announce that we are working with Ofcom, Radio Regen and licensed Community Radio stations across the United Kingdom to provide training, advice and support for groups applying to Ofcom’s second round of Community Radio licensing. The first workshop will be delivered in Bristol on 30 September with local partner Bristol Community FM.?
Phil Gibbons, station manager of Bristol Community FM said: ?I am delighted to be working with the Community Media Association on the first Community Radio Licence Application Workshop for groups applying to the second round. We attended two of the CMA?s Round One workshops in 2004 and I can say with confidence that the advice and support gained from these sessions has contributed to the success of our application. This is an excellent opportunity to learn from seasoned practitioners and meet the people at Ofcom who lead the process.?