[cma-l] Five community radio licence awards in the south east of England

[CMA-L]

Ofcom has awarded five community radio licences in May 2016. The licences
are for services in the south east England region (outside the M25).

Ofcom has made a licence award to each of the following:


   - Vectis Radio (Vectis Radio Limited) Newport, Isle of Wight
   - Andover Radio (Andover Radio Limited), Andover, Hampshire
   - Kennet Radio (Kennet Community Radio), Newbury, Berkshire
   - BFBS Brize Norton (BFBS Brize Norton Limited), Carterton, Oxfordshire
   - BFBS Shorncliffe (BFBS Shorncliffe Ltd), Folkestone, Kent

These services will be licensed for a period of five years from the date of
their launch. All five services will be licensed to broadcast on FM.

*Vectis Radio*

Vectis Radio is a radio station for Newport, Isle of Wight with a
particular focus on serving young people, local musicians and community
groups. Ofcom considered in particular that the emphasis on output for
young people and music from local musicians, along with a proposal to play
a variety of music including album tracks and specialist genres, would
distinguish the station’s output from that of existing commercial stations
in the area. Ofcom was satisfied with the group’s social gain proposals
which include plans to train young people and involve them in producing
output. Ofcom noted the group’s experience of delivering training, working
in conjunction with the local authority and schools.

Vectis Radio will have a condition in its licence limiting income from the
sale of advertising or programme or station sponsorship to a maximum of
£15,000 per financial year. This is because the expected coverage of the
service overlaps by 50% or more with the coverage area of Isle of Wight
Radio, a local commercial radio service which has fewer than 150,000 adults
living in its measured coverage area.

*Andover Radio*

Andover Radio will be a community service for the general population of
Andover in Hampshire. Ofcom noted that members of the applicant group have
good relevant experience, including in local radio broadcasting, the third
sector, fund-raising and local business. This experience along with a
sensible business plan led Ofcom to be satisfied that the applicant could
maintain the service. Ofcom considered that the applicant demonstrated
evidence of demand and support for the service, which includes in-kind
support in the form of studio premises at the local college. Ofcom
considered that the applicant had put forward good accountability
proposals, which include an advisory board with representatives from
various sectors in the local community.  These should help the service to
maintain close links with the target community.

*Kennet Radio*

Kennet Radio is a station for the people of Newbury and Thatcham in
Berkshire. Ofcom considered that the group had demonstrated its ability to
maintain the service. It has existing assets with some secured funding and
in-kind support for the pre-launch period and year one, and the group has
gained useful experience of broadcasting in the area.  In addition Ofcom
had regard to the evidence of demand and support for the proposed service
from individuals and a range of organisations in the area.  Ofcom was
satisfied with the social gain proposals which set out how the service
would be a platform for community organisations and an information resource
for the local community, as well as offering training to volunteers and
developing further training in partnership with local educational bodies.

*BFBS Brize Norton*

BFBS Brize Norton is for the military community based at Brize Norton in
Carterton, Oxfordshire. Ofcom noted that the applicant company already has
considerable assets and stable financial backing, and as a result was
satisfied it could maintain the service. Ofcom considered that the service
would broaden choice by having a strong military focus, and would provide
social gain through welfare support and other proposals relevant to the
target community.

*BFBS Shorncliffe*

BFBS Shorncliffe is for Gurkha soldiers and their families based at the Sir
John Moore Barracks near Folkestone, in Kent. Ofcom considered that the
service will cater for the tastes and interests of a specific community of
interest and significantly broaden choice locally by broadcasting
informative speech, as well as music, predominantly in Nepali. Ofcom noted
that the target community is underserved and will benefit from the social
gain provided by this FM service which will broadcast relevant forces-led
content, as well as providing a valuable means to keep the language,
traditions and culture of Nepal alive within the local Gurkha and Nepalese
community.

Source:
http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radio-broadcast-licensing/community-radio/current-licensees/awards-round-3/five-awards-may-16

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