License Applications

Ofcom has advertised many new analogue radio licences since its review of the radio market. Many new radio stations have been awarded licences to broadcast and have launched already or are in the planning process stages.

At GMG Radio, we have continually and selectively undertaken a process of applying for licences in locations where we feel the size of the area is appropriate for both commercial viability and importantly, where we feel we can fulfil the criteria of broadening choice and contribute to the requirements of existing and potential radio audiences in those areas.

To date we have conducted format gap and qualitative research in a number of regions in order to clearly define where it would be appropriate to apply for the advertised licences.

The expertise and experience of the application team which includes applying for, being awarded and launching many new regional radio stations, is invaluable and the process of application and acquisition is very much in line with the company's plans for future growth within the broadcast industry.

In February 2007 Ofcom awarded GMG Radio the new licence for Greater Manchester. The group is now working to launch a rock music and speech formatted station in the city in 2008.

An analogue licence application for South Wales has recently been submitted to Ofcom on behalf of GMG Radio and we are also conducting extensive feasibility research for planned potential licences in Mid and North Wales.