NEWS: APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED TO OFCOM FOR NEW LOCAL COMMERCIAL FM RADIO LICENCES IN BRISTOL AND OXFORD by GRANT GODDARD

www.grantgoddard.co.uk June 2006

Six applications have been submitted to Ofcom for the new Bristol local commercial FM radio licence. 'B106.5' proposes a distinctive commercial radio service with a varied, less repetitive, adult-focused format aimed at 25 to 64 year olds. 'Chill Bristol', backed by GCap Media plc, would play contemporary relaxing music with local information for listeners of all ages. 'Diamond FM', backed by Radio UK Holdings Limited, proposes classic rock in daytime and modern/alternative rock at night with 24-hour local news. 'Original 106 FM', backed by Canwest Global, would provide adult alternative radio for 40 to 59 year olds with 24-hour local news. '106.5 Rock Radio', backed by Absolute Radio Limited, wants to play a distinctive and original mix of rock songs from the past 40 years with local news, information and sport. 'Wicked FM', backed by consultant Paul Robinson and Mark Oliver of consultantcy Oliver & Ohlbaum Associates, offers a full-service modern rock station for people 20 to 44. Ofcom received five applications for the Oxford & South Oxfordshire local commercial FM radio licence. 'Castle FM', backed by Laser Broadcasting Limited, proposes a genuinely local station for 35 to 64 year olds with significant speech content. 'Fox Gold', backed by GCap Media plc, would be a classic pop hit music led service targeted at 35 pluses. 'Inspire 106' would play adult music variety for 35 to 64 year olds, with local news and speech much of it challenging and information-led. '106 Jack FM', backed by Absolute Radio Limited, proposes a variety music format aimed at 35 to 54 year olds with regular news and information. 'More FM', backed by CN Group Limited, would target the 35+ demographic with significant local speech and 24-hour local news and a broad variety of classic and recent hits.

[First published in 'The Radio Magazine' as 'Bristol And Oxford Applicants', #741, 21 June 2006]

Grant Goddard is a media analyst / radio specialist / radio consultant with thirty years of experience in the broadcasting industry, having held senior management and consultancy roles within the commercial media sector in the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia. Details at http://www.grantgoddard.co.uk

News: Applications Submitted To Ofcom For New Local Commercial FM Radio Licences In Bristol And Oxford page 2 2006 Grant Goddard