1.
NEWS: OFCOM EXPLAINS
DECISION TO AWARD NEW
LOCAL COMMERCIAL RADIO
LICENCE IN BARROW TO
'ABBEY FM'
by
GRANT GODDARD
www.grantgoddard.co.uk
October 2005

2.
News: Ofcom Explains Decision To Award New Local Commercial Radio Licence In Barrow To 'Abbey FM' Page 2
©2005 Grant Goddard
UK media regulator Ofcom has explained why it decided that the winning
'Abbey FM' application for a new local commercial radio licence in Barrow was
stronger than competing applicant 'Barrow Local Radio.'
The regulator felt that “the backing of three shareholders with, collectively,
extensive and current experience of operating smaller radio stations enhanced
the likely ability of Abbey FM to maintain it proposed service.” It also said that
“the ability to save costs through resource-sharing with nearby stations” would
“enhance the strength” of the business. Ofcom liked the station’s commitment
to two extended weekday news bulletins and the proposal to give the music
policy an “older feel” than that of existing local station 'The Bay.'
Finally, the commitment to content being locally produced for at least 21 hours
a day on weekdays and 17 hours a day on weekends was considered to be “a
suitable proportion of local material and locally-made programmes.” Abbey FM
is backed by The Local Radio Company, The Radio Business and CN Radio,
whereas Barrow Local Radio was backed by David Maker’s investment
company Associated Radio.
[First published in 'The Radio Magazine' as 'Small Station Experience Wins Barrow Licence', #706, 19 October 2005]
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