[cma-l] Ofcom today announces the award of six new community radio licences

[CMA-L]

Ofcom has awarded community radio licences in the following areas:

    * Moss Side, Central Manchester
    * North Manchester
    * Bolton
    * Lincoln
    * Newark on Trent, North Nottinghamshire
    * Grantham, Lincolnshire

The new community radio licensees in each of these areas are:

PEACE FM, Moss Side and surrounding districts of central Manchester

PEACE FM will provide a cohesive and inclusive voice for the African
Caribbean community of Manchester. It will provide opportunities for
local people to be employed or volunteer their services as well as
offer training. PEACE FM will forge positive links with local and
national organisations both in the voluntary and private sector.

North Manchester FM, North Manchester

North Manchester FM will be a popular platform for the talent and
opinions of the people who live and work in the area. It will be a
catalyst for improving the quality of life in the area with new
skills, boosted community pride and more effective relationships
between residents and the agencies that serve them.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/northmanchesterfm

Bolton FM

Bolton FM will provide a distinctive and relevant community radio
service targeting the diverse communities of Bolton. It will aim to be
an inclusive and accessible station, providing training and
broadcasting opportunities for members of all communities and
encouraging their active participation.
Website: http://www.boltonfm.com

Lindum Radio, Lincoln

Lindum Radio will provide a service for the mature adult population of
the City of Lincoln. The station will provide a broad ranging service
of light music and light entertainment. It will address the concerns
of members of its target community and will provide listeners with
information about local issues and activities.

Boundary Sound, Newark on Trent

Boundary Sound will bring a community radio service to Newark and the
surrounding villages in North Nottinghamshire. The station aims to be
an integral part of the community, with strong links with schools,
local councils and other community organisations and will endeavour to
give members of the community who are under-represented in the media,
the opportunity to be heard.
Website: http://www.boundarysound.co.uk

Gravity FM, Grantham
Gravity FM will provide a service structured to meet the local tastes
and demands of those living and working in Grantham. The station will
provide local news, information, discussion and debate, together with
a wide ranging music policy.
Website: http://www.gravityfm.net

Licences are awarded for a five-year period.

A statement setting out the main determining factors for the award of
the six community radio licences referred to above will be available
shortly from the Ofcom website.

1. In addition to the licence awards detailed above, Ofcom considered
two further applications, but has decided not to award a licence to
the following groups:

    * The Voice of North Lincolnshire, Scunthorpe
    * Mansfield Community Radio, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire

2. Applications for community radio licences are being invited on a
region-by-region basis. Further details can be found on the Ofcom
website at: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radio/ifi/rbl/commun_radio/