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.

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.