[CMA R] Re: Community Radio Licence Round Two
Daniel Finnan - The Hillz Radio
dan at thehillz.net
Thu Aug 17 12:46:14 BST 2006
Hi,
It is great to hear that Ofcom have finally started the second round
of community radio licensing.
I would like to raise my concerns over the timetabling for this second
round of applications.
I fully understand the rationale behind the region-by-region
application process but I am worried that only the first three regions
have confirmed deadlines.
Here in Coventry - if I work by Ofcom's schedule it is not likely our
region will be dealt with until the end of 2007. That is assuming
everything works to the timetable and there are no delays - not
something I would be sure of after the first round of applications.
My problem lies in the funding for our project and the likelihood that
we'll still be in at the end of 2007.
My role started in Oct 2004 and we were unfortunate to miss the first
round of applications. Nobody in the Coventry area applied.
My 3 year Children In Need project funding ends in Oct 2007. While
£35,000 we've secured from NRF at the start of this financial will
also take us through to Oct 2007. This money was raised with the
specific intention of applying for a full time licence. Now I'm not
sure if we'll get there.
I know there is nobody in Coventry at the moment who is likely to
apply for a licence. I know at the moment we are ready for full time
broadcasting. We have an excellent working studio. A band of trained
presenters. We have significant evidence of community demand and are
well placed to serve our local community. But it seems unlikely we'll
be able to apply in time.
I don't know when Ofcom are likely to announce the next set of
deadlines. I don't know whether we can continue a project like this
without having a full time licence. It is increasingly hard to find
money for this work, especially since now we are competing with other
similar projects who have been awarded licences.
I'd like to know what resources and extra staff Ofcom have put in
place to ensure that this new branch of broadcasting is licensed as
quickly as it could be. I'd like to know why it is fair and democratic
to select certain areas in the UK and give them the opportunity to
apply for licences before other regions. Yes - spectrum availability
will be cited as a reason for prioritising. But is this fair and
consistent when the West Midlands may be dealt with second to last in
the regional list because Birmingham has limited space in the
spectrum! I appreciate there may be technical reasons that are beyond
me which may delay determine of spectrum availability. But it is to
our listeners, to our trainees, to our clients, to the people of
Hillfields and Coventry that I have to continuously explain that we
can't even apply for licence until the end of 2007.
I am consistently told that the radio landscape in Coventry is boring
and dull. I read with interest when Kix/Touch FM were warned by Ofcom
about not adhering to their proposed programme/music content. I felt
annoyed when I heard brand new pirate radio stations in Coventry set
up because the community radio station that fills that gap only
broadcasts on RSLs. Now I feel depressed that the project I've worked
hard to champion and develop isn't given the precedence or credence
from the regulator who thanked us for our Letters of Intent but still
wouldn't tell us when we could apply.
So am I left with the next RSL application form for now. Another £5000
to broadcast for 28 days. Seems like a false ecomony to me when I know
that other licenced community radio stations pay a fraction of this to
broadcast full time.
Please provide me with some more clarification. I don't think I am the
only one who like to send you our application NOW!
Best Wishes from a slightly disgruntled and rant-ridden Daniel Finnan
PS Apologies in advance for the apparent annoyance displayed in this
message. I had been milling this issue over since the initial R2
annoucement was made and have to be honest in that it depressed me.
--
Community Radio Development Officer
The Hillz Radio (part of WATCH Ltd)
12 Victoria Street
Hillfields
Coventry
CV1 5LZ
Tel: 02476 550564
Fax: 02476 229423
Email: info at thehillz.net
Web: www.thehillz.net
On 17/08/06, comradio-l-request at commedia.org.uk
<comradio-l-request at commedia.org.uk> wrote:
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> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Ofcom invites Applications for Community Radio licences in
> Round Two (Alan Fransman)
> 2. [CMA] CALL FOR COMMUNITY MEDIA NEWS (Michelle McGuire)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2006 12:51:55 +0100
> From: Alan Fransman <alan.fransman at commedia.org.uk>
> Subject: [CMA R] Ofcom invites Applications for Community Radio
> licences in Round Two
> To: comradio-l at commedia.org.uk
> Message-ID: <44E306DB.8080602 at commedia.org.uk>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
>
> +++ 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
>
> Join the CMA now for discounts, networking,
> workshops, streaming, information, support
> and a voice for community media
>
> www.commedia.org.uk
>
> Access to the media for people and communities
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Thu, 17 Aug 2006 09:02:26 +0100
> From: Michelle McGuire <michelle at commedia.org.uk>
> Subject: [CMA R] [CMA] CALL FOR COMMUNITY MEDIA NEWS
> To: comradio-l at commedia.org.uk
> Message-ID: <6168C8EC-73C1-4535-A6F8-2399E3E55144 at commedia.org.uk>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
>
> * Sorry for any cross posting
>
>
> A I R F L A S H Magazine - Autumn Issue 92
>
> CALL FOR COMMUNITY MEDIA NEWS - Get your story out there...
>
> For those unfamiliar with Airflash Magazine - it is a quarterly
> magazine published by the Community Media Association, covering
> issues and articles concerning the Community Media sector.
>
> The next issue will be packed full of news and articles but we need
> your help. Are you about to broadcast? Have you re-launched your
> website? Has a local MP paid your project a visit recently? Are you
> doing something exciting? Let us know about it. We want to hear from
> you.
>
>
> + Some Upcoming Events +
>
> 2nd Round Community Radio Licensing 16.08.06 - 07.11.06
>
> SBES 15-16.11.06
>
> AMARC 9 Conference and General Assembly 11-17.11.06
>
> Festival of Community Media 24-25.11.06
>
> Are you doing anything in connection with these events or anything
> else? Publicise it!
>
>
> + Recent Current Affairs in the News +
>
> Are you working with your community to analyse the recent terror
> threat? Discuss it.
>
>
> Please email your submission to airflash at commedia.org.uk, or post to
> the address below.
>
> Submissions need to arrive before Friday 25 August 2006. Anything
> received after this date may not be allocated space, but it is our
> intention to include all that we can. We also want your images. Send
> them along with your submission. Images should be TIFF or JPG at a
> resolution of 300dpi and try to include a description/credit. Please
> don't hesitate to contact me if you are not sure about this.
>
> + The next edition is due for publication late September 2006.
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> Michelle McGuire
> Editor, Airflash Magazine
> http://www.commedia.org.uk
> --
>
>
> Community Media Association
> http://www.commedia.org.uk
>
> 15 Paternoster Row
> Sheffield S1 2BX
> UK
> Tel. + 44 (0) 114 279 5219
>
>
> "Access to the media for people and communities"
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
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> End of Comradio-l Digest, Vol 19, Issue 4
> *****************************************
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