[tv-rsl-l] invitation to apply for TV licence for the isle of man

[Nicky Edmonds]

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR A LICENCE TO PROVIDE A TELEVISION SERVICE FOR THE
ISLE OF MAN


The Communications Commission is today (23 July 2002) inviting applications
for a licence to provide a television service for the Isle of Man.  The
licence will be granted under the terms of the Broadcasting Act 1993 (of
Tynwald).

Announcing the invitation the Chairman of the Commission, Hon Phil Braidwood
MHK, said:

"Considerable headway has been made in finding frequencies for a Manx
national television service.  The Commission is now urging potential
broadcasters to push ahead rapidly with this exciting development for the
Isle of Man and its people."

The television service licensee will be expected to provide a sufficient
amount of local content to give the service a strong Manx national
character.  Holders of the television service licence, like all the
Commission's broadcasting licensees, must comply with the Commission's Codes
of Practice.

The television service licence will be for a term of ten years, but subject
to the continuing availability of frequency channels.  The successful
applicant will be responsible for the establishment of transmission
facilities and for liaison with the relevant authorities for the allocation
of frequencies.

Communications Commission Director, Anthony Hewitt, explained:

"This is a fresh start to the licensing process and the Commission will
consider submissions from every appropriately qualified applicant.  Previous
potential licensees with whom the Commission has had discussions, as well as
new parties, may apply."

Notes for the Guidance of Licence Applicants are available from the
Commission. Applications accompanied by the non-refundable application fee
of £250 should be sent to the Commission and must be received no later than
noon on Thursday 12 September 2002. The Commission will apply criteria set
out in the Notes for the Guidance of Licence Applicants.  Once a licence has
been awarded (and for each year thereafter), the licensee will be required
to pay Commission and Wireless Telegraphy Act annual licence fees. The
Communications Commission hopes to announce its decision on the award of the
licence later this year.

Anthony Hewitt
Communications Commission
Winchester Court
Second Avenue
Onchan
ISLE OF MAN
IM3 4LT

Telephone: (01624) 677022
Fax: (01624) 626499













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