On this page you will be kept up to date with the progress of our application for a Community radio licence. You can also click on the OFCOM link at the bottom of the page for information on Community Radio.
Wednesday 26th May, 2010
OFCOM have announced their intention to ask for "expressions of interest" from those organisations who would be interested in applying for a Community radio License should they decide to do so. The "expressions of interest" will allow OFCOM to assess the likely number of licenses that would need to be considered and whether they would offer them in a block or on a regional basis as before.
We have therefore today submitted our "expression of interest" letter to OFCOM indicating that we would be likely to submit an application if and when the 3rd round of licenses are offered.
Friday July 24th, 2009
Sadly we were not granted a licence but OFCOM did say we had a very good application and should not let this disuade us from reapplying in the future.
As of 24th July 2009, the second round of licence applications is nearly over so we await OFCOM's decision on whether to go for a third round! When they do, we will be waiting!
It is anticipated that OFCOM will be inviting applications for community radio stations in the North West from the 25th July 2007. We are currently in the process of finalizing our application and will be submitting it to OFCOM as soon as we are sure we have made the best case possible.
Tuesday 31st July 2007
As expected OFCOM invited applications in the North Wales and North West of England areas on 25th July. Closing date is 31st October.
Radio Together has successfully applied to be a Community Interest Company.
Wednesday 17th October 2007
Our application is now complete and is being submitted to OFCOM.
Wednesday 24th October 2007
Our application has been received by OFCOM. We now have to wait until January to hear if we have been successful.
Wednesday 8th November 2007
OFCOM has published the list of applicants for North West England. Click on the Ofcom link below to see the list.
Wednesday 9th January 2008
Well - we're off the starting blocks! Today we secured our first grant funds. This will be used to set up our office facilities and create a new website! It's likely to be at least the end of this month before we know about the licence but it could be as late as April judging by previous applicants.
Monday 4th February 2008
We got the news last week we didn't want. We have sadly not been awarded a licence for Community Radio in St Helens. We naturally think this is the loss of what would have been a valuable service for the community of St Helens. The reasons OFCOM gave were quite minor and they did in fact think our basic idea and plan was good. However, they didn't think we gave enough information about the content of our programmes or had enough community links.
We still remain committed to the plan of bringing Community Radio to St Helens and have now decided that we will set up an internet radio station which will broadcast 24 hours a day and we will broadcast up to twice a year on FM using Restricted Service Licences that run for 28 days at a time.
Our committment remains strong and with everyones support we will make it happen and we will reapply when the next round of licences are advertised.
Please continue to watch this space for further news of our progress.
