[CMA R] Ofcom invites Applications for Community Radio licences in Round Two

[Alan Fransman]

+++ APOLOGIES FOR CROSS POSTING! +++

Community Media Association

News Release

16 August 2006

Ofcom invites Applications for Community Radio licences in Round Two

Ofcom today published the application form and guidance for the second 
round of Community Radio licensing.  The regulator also extended the 
first invitation for applications from Southwest England and South 
Wales.  The closing-date for applications from these areas is Tuesday 7 
November 2006.  Ofcom has set out its new, region-by-region approach for 
the second round of Community Radio licensing.  This approach will 
enable the regulator to deal with a large volume of applications in a 
timely manner.

Liza Kellett, Director of the Community Media Association said: “We are 
pleased that Ofcom has opened the second round of Community Radio 
licensing so soon after completing the first round.  The demand for 
Community Radio from communities across the UK continues to be high and 
we look forward to supporting groups applying for licenses in the second 
round.  The CMA is pleased to announce that we are working with Ofcom, 
Radio Regen and licensed Community Radio stations across the United 
Kingdom to provide training, advice and support for groups applying to 
Ofcom's second round of Community Radio licensing.  The first workshop 
will be delivered in Bristol on 30 September with local partner Bristol 
Community FM.”

Phil Gibbons, station manager of Bristol Community FM said: “I am are 
delighted to be working with the Community Media Association on the 
first Community Radio Licence Application Workshop for groups applying 
to the second round.  We attended two of the CMA’s Round One workshops 
in 2004 and I can say with confidence that the advice and support gained 
from these sessions has contributed to the success of our application. 
This is an excellent opportunity to learn from seasoned practitioners 
and meet the people at Ofcom who lead the process.”

The new application form and guidance is an improvement on the 
documentation for Round One with more clarity in the questions asked and 
a clearer format and layout in the application form.  The Round Two 
application form also presents a new set of challenges.  The form has 
expanded from 30 pages to 46 and requires more detail on programming 
output and content, the broadcast history of an applicant, and financial 
information.  Further analysis of the application form and guidance follows.

Working with its partners, the CMA has developed a comprehensive online 
resource for groups planning to apply to Ofcom's second round of 
Community Radio licensing with information, analysis, advice and 
support.  Check http://www.commedia.org.uk/getyourlicence for updates.

-ends-

For further information please contact Alan Fransman on 0114 279 5219 or 
email alan.fransman at commedia.org.uk

Notes to editors
1.    The Community Media Association (CMA) is the UK membership 
association for community media.  Its mission is to enable people to 
establish and develop communications media for cultural and creative 
expression, community development and entertainment.  The CMA membership 
consists of 300 community media organisations plus 300 individuals and 
associate organisations. CMA members work throughout the UK in sound and 
radio, television, video and new media.  The CMA’s head office is 
located in Sheffield.
2.    Community Radio is a third tier of radio distinct from Public and 
Commercial Radio.  Community Radio stations are locally owned and 
accountable to their audience.  They operate on public service 
principles for community benefit and are non-profit distributing.

Further information on the CMA can be found at http://www.commedia.org.uk

Further analysis of the application form and guidance

Application Form
-    The licence application fee has remained the same at £600
-    The application form has expanded from 30 pages to 46
-    More detailed explanatory notes are contained within the form 
assisting the application process
-    The application form ties into and attempts to better meet the 
requirements of the Community Radio Order 2004 with its greater  number 
of references to the relevant parts of the legislation.
-    Some extra questions have been added for clarity.
-    More clarity overall in the questions asked.
-    There is a clearer format and layout.
-    There is greater emphasis on programming output and content - more 
detail required.
-    For example, there is a new sub-section on how the proposed 
community station will serve local tastes and interests, and be 
different and distinct from existing provision.
-    Expanded section examining the broadcast history of a applicant 
including taking into account internet radio and overseas radio 
experience (Section 4).
-    Much more financial information is required but detail is split 
into sections: Existing Assets, Pre-launch expenditure, Pre-Launch 
Income, Pre-Launch Contingency, Pre-Launch 'In-Kind' Support, First Year 
Operational Expenses, Operational Contingency, First Year 'In-Kind' Support.
-    Overall there is much greater detail in financial information asked 
for, which improves on last year's form as it is broken down.

-    From the Notes of Guidance:
-    Ofcom has removed a substantial piece of text that is confusing 
relating to having to reapply after 5 years (Section 1.15).
-    Slightly improved structure with a separate section for Legislative 
Requirements which was previously included in the Application & Award 
Procedure.
-    Section 2.16 is new short paragraph and relates to the requirements 
of the Wireless Telegraphy Act.
-    There is a new sub-section regarding Complaints (Sections 3.7-3.8) 
which makes things more explicit.
-    Clear flow chart on Page 19 showing "Radio Station Transmission 
Routes to Launch".
-    New sub-section on "Arrangements with other broadcasters" making 
clear that other Broadcast Act licence holders or the BBc or the Welsh 
Authority may not exercise undue influence over nature and content of 
programming.

-    From the Invitation of applications:
-     greater clarity over the restricted areas where Ofcom cannot 
license community radio services where adult population is 50k or lower.

-- 
Alan Fransman
Community Media Association
15 Paternoster Row
Sheffield
S1 2BX

+44 114 279 5219

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