Beerling-backed station refused licence

A community radio station chaired by former BBC Radio 1 controller Johnny Beerling has been turned down a licence by regulator Ofcom.

Radio Skipton proposed to fill the gap left when Skipton-based Fresh AM was taken over by UKRD and merged with Harrogate-based Stray FM. It was set up by former Revolution and Original programmer John Evington.

Radio Skipton posted this announcement on its website this morning: “We are bitterly disappointed by the decision which comes 9 months after our application was submitted back in January. We know that this will also come as a shock to all the community groups, businesses and individuals who were looking forward to becoming a part of what would have been a vibrant and valued addition to the local media scene.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who supported our proposals.

“We will now consider our options and let you know of any further developments via our website and Twitter feed over the coming days..”

In the latest round of awards, a further two stations – Radio Selby and Derwent FM – were also declined a licence whilst two further stations were approved.

They are Eden FM, serving Penrith in Cumbria and Dales Radio serving the towns and villages of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Eden FM will provide a community radio service catering for the people of Penrith and the immediate surrounding area whilst Dales Radio will provide a community radio service for the towns and villages in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Dales Radio, led by original Yorkshire Dales Radio and Stray FM founder Chris Parkin, proposed a service on both AM and FM – making use of seven FM transmitters and one AM transmitter.