Media regulator Ofcom has awarded three new community radio licences, the latest recipients are Meridian FM (East Grinstead), Uckfield FM (Uckfield) and Awaaz Radio (High Wycombe).
Meridian FM will serve the West Sussex area offering training to volunteers and work experience places to schools, as well as encouraging programme makers to use its facilities.
Uckfield FM station will belong to the community and provide a means of access to the airwaves for local groups, individuals, societies and musicians.
Chairman of Uckfield FM Mike Skinner said: “We are delighted that OFCOM has decided that this station is worthy to provide a full time community radio station for the Uckfield area.
“We are lucky to have so many volunteers willing to give various amounts of time to provide the service. We are also hoping that we can rely on the support of local businesses in the area to help us with some of the finance. We have been very fortunate with their support in the past and the full time station will make it accessible to a bigger audience on a permanent basis.”
Finally, Awaaz Radio aims to encourage, promote, and develop a sense of community among the Asian community in the High Wycombe area in Buckinghamshire.
Licences are awarded for a five-year period.