UTV's Belfast-based U105 has been granted a change of Format by Ofcom.
The tweak removes the need for the station to offer local news till midnight on weekdays, as stipulated in its original licence application over five years ago.
In applying for the change, the station's Jimmy Buckland says: "We wish to more closely align our local news requirements with those of the rest of the industry, that is that local news should be provided at least hourly during weekday daytimes, and during weekend peak. We are committed to offering an extensive local service and therefore plan to exceed this minimum requirement."
In approving, Ofcom said UTV’s request with regard to U105 is essentially to bring the station’s Format into line with [new] guidelines.