Community Radio Licensing

Ofcom is the regulator for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services. Ofcom has nearly completed its second round of community radio licensing. It is considering whether, how and when to invite applications for community radio licences for a third time. The first round of licensing for community radio commenced in September 2004, and was completed in May 2006; the second round commenced in August 2006, and is expected to be completed in the next few months. A total of 221 licences have been awarded so far.
Ofcom is now inviting prospective applicants for a community radio licence to submit an 'expression of interest', outlining their intention to apply. An 'expression of interest' should include the following information:

• the name of your organisation
• the area you wish to broadcast to (or location of the service) (FM frequencies are not expected to be available in some areas, please see 'availability of FM frequencies' below)
• a short description of the community you wish to serve
• your contact details

The 'expressions of interest' will help Ofcom to decide whether to invite applications, and if so to help them design a licensing process which takes account of the pattern of expected demand in different parts of the country, as well as anticipated FM (and AM) frequency availability. The closing-date for the submission of 'expressions of interest' is Tuesday 1 June 2010. For further information please visit: Community Radio Licensing