Ofcom exercises its discretion to give Soleil Radio an FM frequency on Jersey

Recently launched DAB station Soleil Radio is now broadcasting in St Helier on 107.7FM.

The frequency, recently given to sister station Channel 103 after it argued coverage in the capital wasn’t very good, went through a change of format request to remove a reference to 25-44 year olds which enabled the quick switchover.

Ofcom says removing the newly granted fill-in frequency from Channel 103 will potentially result in some listeners losing access to the Channel 103 service again on an FM frequency, but added both stations are on DAB so decided to exercise its discretion to approve the request.

Soleil Radio started in 2021 as an easy listening service but this was “reformatted and refocussed” as an adult hits service with Jersey-specific news and information, “due to the emergence of similarly-formatted services on DAB”, the station said.

Tindle Radio Channel Islands Managing Director James Keen told RadioToday about the move: “Since Soleil Radio launched on DAB+ across the Channel Islands we’ve been delighted with the reaction we’ve received from listeners and advertisers.

“Soleil Radio is one of more than fifteen services available for the first time on DAB in the Channel Islands and has doubtless helped to quadruple DAB listening since the local multiplex launched.

“It’s fantastic news that we’ve now been able to extend Soleil Radio’s availability with the addition of 107.7FM in Jersey – now islanders have more ways than ever to enjoy Soleil’s mix of the legendary songs of the 70s, 80s and 90s.”