Community Media Association

Ofcom has announced the award of five new community radio licences in South East England.

Ofcom’s Community Radio Fund Panel met on Monday 25 January to consider applications for the second round of grant awards for 2009/10. 14 applicants were awarded grants which totalled £226,532.

The CMA has written to all MPs and key Peers to urge them to support the radio clauses of the Digital Economy Bill, highlighting the significant benefits that the community radio sector will receive as FM spectrum becomes available following digital radio switchover.

Ofcom has announced the award of one new community radio licence to OX4 FM in Oxford.

Draft Order laid before Parliament under section 262(5) of the Communications Act 2003, for approval by resolution of each House of Parliament.

This is Ofcom’s second annual report on the community radio sector for the years 2008-2009.

Following the consultation on “Amendments to the Community Radio Licensing Regime”, DCMS has published a summary of the responses.

The Digital Switchover Help Scheme is working with a number of community radio stations and Hospital Radio stations in switchover areas to help raise awareness of the switch to digital television.

Ofcom has published a statement completing its review of the use of premium rate services (PRS) by radio broadcasters.

The second round for applications to the Community Radio Fund in 2009/10 will open on 13 October 2009 and will close at end of business on 10 November 2009.